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CAUCUSES OF 18 GO. 



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i HISTORY 



piitioniil f 0liticiil (ilJtfurijntion!^ 



CURRENT PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: 



CO.AIPLETE RECORD OF THE BUSINESS OF ALL 
THE CONVENTIONS; 



y<j 



^KETCHES OF DISTINGUISHED MEN IN ATTENDANCE UPON THEM. 

AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MOST CHARACTERISTIC 

SCENES AND MEMORABLE EVENTS. 



Compiled from the Correspondence of the Cincinnati Commercial, written 
'■ On the Circuit of the Conventions," and the Official Keports. 



j^' 



By M. HALSTEAD, 

XS EYE-WIT.NESS OF THEJI ALL. 



COLUMBUS: 

FOLLETT. FOSTER AND COMPANY 
i 8 G . 



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D.TfV 



PREFACE. 



If I have a prejudice against or partiality for any political party, 
such that I am incapable of taking an impartial view of its proceedings, 
and of telling the truth of it irrespective of the antagonisms, that de- 
mand concealment on the one hand and perversion on the other, I ara 
unconscious of the fact. 

I know that in making the " Circuit of the Conventions," in the 
capacity of a journalist, I endeavored to pursue the path of candor ; 
and that this was not only my personal feeling but the policy of the 
journal with which I am connected. 

In the first letter of the correspondence from which this publication 
is largely made up, I promised to remember in my writings of the Con- 
ventions the entreaty of Othello, concerning information to be des- 
patched from Cyprus to Venice : 

" I pray you, in yeur letters, 
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, 
* * * Nothing extenuate, 

Nor set down aught in malice " — 

I should consider the displeasure and hostile criticisms of partisans of 
all persuasions and organizations, the best testimony that I have kept 
this promise. M. H. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

The Charleston Convention 1 

The Constitutional Democratic Convention at Charleston ... 97 

The Baltimore National Constitutional Union Convention 104 

The Chicago Convention 120 

The Constitutional Democratic Convention at Richraonil 154 

The National Democratic Convention at Baltimore 159 

Institute Hall ('-Secedcrs") Convention 217 

The Second Richmond Convention 231 



THE CHARLESTON CONVENTION. 



The Hon. Stephen A. Douglas was the pivot individual of the 
Charleston Convention. Every delegate was for or against him. Ev- 
ery motion meant to nominate or not to notninate him. Every parlia- 
mentary war was pro or con Douglas. 

On the route to Charleston, delegates and others who were proceed- 
ing to attend the Convention, talked about Mr. Douglas. The ques- 
tions in every car and at every station, were : Would he be ? could he 
be? should he be nominated? Could he get a majority of the Conven- 
tion ? could he get two-thirds ? Would the South support him if he 
.should be nominated? Would the Administration acquiesce if he were 
nominated ? 

NOTES BY THE WAY. 

[The following extract from a letter written at Atlanta, Ga., April 
17th, will give an idea of the spirit of Southerners when en route for 
the Convention :] 

AtlajsiTA. Ga.. April 17th. 
We had interesting political talk on the cars this evening. Two 
Georgians were disputing as to the strength of Douglas in the State. 
One, a Charleston delegate, said he would not do. He might possibly 
vote for him if nominated, but it would be with great reluctance. He 
did not know but one man in favor of Douglas in his district. The 
other had been defeated as a candidate for Charleston delegate. He 
said Douglas men were thick as blackberries all through the region 
from which he came. Douglas would carry the State by twenty thou- 
sand majority. " Let him be nominated, and there will be such a war- 
whoop as never was heard in the land." The same man said the old- 
line Democrats of Georgia were for Douglas, and the old-line Whigs 
and the Americans, turned Democrats, were against him. This man 
was asked if he believed in Douglas's doctrine of popular sovereignty, 
which was uo better than Abolitionism, and he said he " went the whole 
of it ; " and he was backed up by a Douglas man from Kentucky. 
The Georgians and Kentuckians generally, on the train, considered 
that it would nut do at all to run Douglas. Some man must be run 
who would unite the party — somebody not obnoxious to any section of 
it — .somebody who had not been so recently as Douglas fighting side by 
side with the Black Republicans against the one and indivisible De- 
mocracy. 



[Tlifi followinp; from a letter written nt Social Circle, Georgia, on the 
18tli Apiil, is still farther illustrative :] 

SociAT, CiRCLK. Oa.. April 18th. 
We h;ive h;id warm times among the delejijates to the Convention 
pinoe cur stop hero. A conversation coninu'Dced at the dinner talile 
ahout Duu^'las. There wa.s a delei^ate from Indiana and an mitsider 
from KcnMicky. sitting very near a couple of Mii^sis.^-ippians, delegates, 
friend.-; of JifF. Davis, and " fire-eater.«." as we term them. Some 
private whi.-ky was pa.'jsed. and the Miss'ssippians drardc to " the 
health of the nominee." The que.-tion was asked whether that in- 
cluded O'.iiglas. IMississippi said he did not consider him in the ring 
at all. He [Douglas] had no chance of being the nominee, and there- 
fore, wlien he diank to the health of the nominee it did not include 
him. The Douglas man ihoutjht Doui^las should he included, and nro- 
ceeded to say that if he was nominated he must have the support 
of the entire Democratic patty. A man ciaild not go into a Ccnvon- 
tinn and then holt the notiiinee if not pleased with him — not at all, cer- 
tainly not with honor. Now, the ]Mis>is>ippiaiis do intend to holt 
Douglas if he is nominated, atid hence they were touched, and toi k 
fire. The controversy ran high. The Indianian was asked what he 
meant hy " Southern fanatics and fire-caters " — an express'on he had 
used — and he said, " such men as Jeff. Divis." This was foui liiiig 
the Mi.^,-is>ippians on a tender point. They demanded very explicitly 
to know in what respect Davis was fatiatieal — and the spccitications 
were rather vague. Mississippi wanted to know whether Davis had 
ever dccnanded any thing hut the riglits of the South, and if so, what V — 
and ^aid th't certain alh'gations made against the conservatism of Davis 
were mere falsehoods. Indiana claimed the same right to criticise Da- 
vis that Mi>sissippi had to criticise Douglas. Mississippi denied that. 
" Davis was a patriot, and Douglas was a traitor, d — d little hotter 
than Scward — that was the difF.-rence." Indiana talked i^hout fighting 
the hattles of the South in the North, and all that sort of thing. Mis- 
sissippi did not thank the Northern Di niocracy- for d.iing any such 
thing. 'J'he South was able to fight her own hattles, and to protect her 
rights. She could do this out of the Union, if not in it. Indiana 
talked ahout returning fugitive slaves, and Mississippi laughed scorn- 
fully. .Vnd as the pirties had to either het or fight, a het of one thou- 
sand ilollars was made on the spot. The Mississippian' het that Doug- 
las would not receive the electoral vote of that State if he were nomi- 
nated. The Fo iglasitc bet liiat he would. If Douglas is not nomi- 
nated at Chares on, the stakes are, of course, to he withdrawn * The 
feeling excited by this conlroveisy, was warm and general. The dele- 
gates who did not mix in. shook their heads and talked of stoiniy times 
ahead, and the peril in which the party would be placed. It was man- 
ifest that if the Mississippian and the Imlianian were joint repic.-enta- 
tive men of their sections, there was little chance for tiie nomination of 
a candidate who could, by any possibility, be elected, or of the cou- 

• Tlii* bi't wM wlltidrawn at tlio foliciUtion of mutual friciKLs from Kentucky. 



3 

strncMnn of a platform tliat wnulil be even fuperfi(;ijilly (satisfactory. 
The Mississi|)piatis utnlersfood theinselves tu liu of tin; clasH that riic- 
tate-s dtut.r'me to the Democratic pirty, and talked as if the party was 
their property, "peculiar," at that, and ratlier a worn (mt old rii;:<^er, 
welcome to die. Indiana talked of love for ihe puriy, and devofiuti to 
it., and a determination to support the nominee, whot-vcr he mii>-|it he. 
Mis8is-ippi talked of principle, and "damn the party," if it was not 
placed ^({aarely upon principle. In other words, if the party was not 
to serve the S.)Uth, its mission was a<'c()iiipli>ht'd. My Indiana fiii-nd 

was, I think, astonished to hnd a real live specimen of fire-eater and 

was rather emharrassed hy his discovery. 

J hiive dwelt on this scene thus fully, because it is a preliminary 
symptom of the Charleston C( nveniinn, and is, indeed, the hisioiy of 
the Convention in miniature and wanting the cliuiax. While the war 
went on, the Kentucky delegation, quiet, suhstantial gt-ntlemcn. who 
don't want office, and would not have ir, stood back, and talked in bns- 
iness-like style of the great merits as a man and availihili'y as a candi- 
date, of their fiietid, the Hon. James Guthrie. The Jlississippians 
have the Kreeport speech of Douglas with them, ar.d intmd to hdin- 
bard hitn in the Convention with ammunition drawn from ir. The ex- 
tract upon which they depend most, i^ that in which lie said " no matter 
what may be the decision of the Supreme Court," the people of a Ter- 
ritory could abolish slaveiy while in a territorial condiiion. Tli(ywill 
Use this remorselessly. However great may Im the weight of (he Doiw- 
las men in the Convention, he will he assailed mo.st bitttrly. The fi-ht 

against hiin involves, for a very large class of Southern politicians^ 

indeed, the most influential class of the time — the i.-sues of lift-, :ind 
those Southern men have a great advantage over the Dou^ilas men in 
the fact that they are sincere. They have prineiples. They stand up- 
on convictions, ami will tight until fiom thiir hones the flesh be hacked. 
The Douglas men. are not so st,ff in iheir hacks nor so strong in the 
faith. Ill a conversation with an Alaliama delegate to-day. I told him 
I presumed the South would have to put up with another platform t'apa- 
ble of a double construction ; he declared that inij o.'^sihle. I irquiied 
— " Don't you see the Douglas delegates don't agree with you, and 
can't and won't agree with you? Do )ou not know that if they went 
home to make a fight on the platform }ou in.-ist fhiy shall place them- 
Belves upon, th(y would lie hiaten in every Noithun Stale and ev» ry 
Northern' township, and that the m.ij u'lty against them in all the North- 
ern States would only he counted hy tens of thou.-andsV" 

No, he did not know any such thing. M;iyor Wood w:is a "sound 
man," and had cariiLd the city of N< w Yoik. He was as sound its any 
Southern man. Connecticut would have I een cirriid hy the D. mofiu- 
cy if there had not heen so niurh pm iering to Dougla.-i.-m. The way 
to flight, a battle was to fight it on pr nciplc. If the North was not wil- 
ling to stand squarely up for the Constitution with the Si. nth, it was 
high time the fact' were known. This camp lign was the test can'pai<;n. 

It must be foujiht on principle. There tnust be no Douglas dodoe,- 

no doiilde construetioi s — no janus-tact d lying lefolutions — no rionhle- 
tongued and doubly damned intiing with ilie people. The pe( pie were 



entitled to a fair fight, and must have it. What was the Democratic 
party for if it was not for the vindication of the great constitutional 
principles upon which our governmental fabric rests? I stated I had 
for some time t^trongly suspected that the Democratic party was an or- 
(»rtnization for the purpose of obtaining federal offices — in other words, 
a political corporation — like a great lottery company — for the distribu- 
tion of the spoils. I thought that I could safely speak for the party in 
the North, in that respect. lie repudiated, with indignation — obvious- 
ly sincere, too — all idea of the spoils. He was for Southern principle; 
and if the Democratic party was not for them it was against them — and 
if it was a spoils party, the sooner it was destroyed and sent to the devil, 
the better. As for the popular sovereignty doctrine, it was as bad as 
Sewardism ; it was the real practical Black Republicanism doctrine ; it 
was the veritable " short cut " — as Gov. Wise said in his Donnelly let- 
ter " to all the ends of Black Republicanism." " If the Republican 

party leaders had half sense (he said), they would adopt the Squatter 
Sovereignty platform at Chicago. It was the Chicago, not the Charles- 
ton card." 

I thought so too, but the difficulty was, the Republican leaders hadn't 
half sense, and couldn't see their game. His confidence in their polit- 
ical sagacity was far greater than ni-ine. 

The chances of Mr. Douglas for the Charleston nomination, were 
next in order. I spoke of the great pressure that would be brought to 
bear from the North, for Douglas. He said the nomination of Douglas 
was not a possibility. He put the case in this way : The North has 
had two Presidents. The South is willing, so far as she is concerned, 
that she shall have another one. But the South will not allow the 
Northern man, who, of all men claiming to belong to the Democratic 
narty, is most obnoxious, to be the candidate. The South has to per- 
form the principal part in the election of the President; and her feel- 
int^s must be respected. The nomination of Douglas would be an in- 
sult to her, which she must resent by defeating him at all hazards. 
And liere our coversation subsided into observations concerning cypress 
swamps, the inky Edisto river — a ditch fifty yards wide, filled with black 
^yter — the lofty cypress trees — the yellow pines — the live oaks — the 
Spanish moss making the wilderness venerable — the white sand — ^^the 
red clay, etc., etc. 

rL.\CE3, PKUSONS AND POLITICS IN CHARLESTON BKFORE TTIK CONVEN- 
TION. 

There was in Charleston, as usual in such cases, much that was im- 
portant in the business preliminary to the Convention, and there are 
niiiny phices in the city intensified with the Convention in interest. 
Amon"' those places, jierhaps the most interesting are Institute Hall, 
where the Convention was held, and Ilibernia Hall, which was the 
Douglas head-quarters. , 

CUAKLESTON. April 20tl). 

The Institute Ilall where the Convention is to be held, will contain 
about ihreo thousand people. The floor is perfectly level, and the seats 



are all old-fashioned, wooden-bottomed chairs, whicri have been indepen- 
dent of each other heretofore, but which are now being screwed hy the 
half-dozen to pine planks placed acro.ss the bottotn. There is u good 
deal of gaudy and unceiith ornamentation altout the hull. The frcHCO- 
ing is mere daubing. The principal ofFnt in art i.s inimediatoly over 
the stage. Three highly colored but very improperly dressed females 
are there engaged. One seems to be contemplating matters and thing:-! 
in general. Another is mixing colors with the apparent intention of 
painting something. The other is pointing with what seems to be a 
common bowie-knife, to a globe. The point of the dagger is plunged 
into the Black Sea. It may be held to be according to the proprieties, 
that the continent which is outlined most conspicuously on this globe is 
marked " Africa." There are rooms behind the stage, and two private 
boxes above it. 

The Hall is situated on the principal thoroughfare and near the bus- 
iness centre of the city. The Hibernian Hall — the Douglas head-quar- 
ters is situated on the same street, a square and a half distant. This 
building has two large halls, and is two stories in height. The first 
floor is divided into two small rooms and one spacious hall, where a 
gigantic bard of Erin is holding a harp, such as was heard in Tara's 
Halls before the soul of music fled. Tbe smaller rooms are furnished 
with long tables, plenty of chairs and writing materials, and a large 
supply of Sheahan's Life of Stephen A. Douglas. The second floor is 
one large hall, and is full of cots for the Northwestern delegations. 
Thei-e are several hundreds of them, with white spreads and pillows. 
They are arranged in rows and sections, numbered and marked for the 
diflTjrent States. 

The Douglas men are to be found for the most part at the " Mills 
House." The fire-eaters congregate at the " Charleston." The spa- 
cious passages and public rooms about these houses are already swarm- 
ing with politicians. It must be admitted that the Southerners have the 
advantage in per-^onal appearance. The strong men of the South are 
here in force, as they always are upon such occasions. There is sufii- 
cient wisdom among the oligarchy to be represented in Congress and 
Conventions by men of experience and intellect, and they attain weighty 
advantages in this way. 

The arrival at the Charleston Hotel to-day, is that of the Hon. W. 
L. Yancey of Alabama, the prince of the fire-eaters. He is the man 
said to be charged with a three days' speech against Douglas. He is a 
compact, middle-sized man, straight limbed, with a square built head 
and face, and an eye full of expression. He is mild and bland in man- 
ner as Fernando Wood, and has an air of perfect sincerity which Wood 
has not. No one would be likely to point him out in a group of gentle- 
men as the redoubtable Yancey, who proposes according to common re- 
port to precipitate the cotton States into a revolution, dissolve the Union 
and build up a Southern empire. The strong point made against him 
by the Douglasites is that he is a disunionist It will not frighten hitn, 
nor his Southern friends, however, to apply that epithet to him. I very 
much doubt whether the Douglas men have a leader competent to cope 
with him in the coming fight. It is quite clear that while the North 



mny l>e ?tron!rost in vrtoa here, anrl the most noisy, the South will have 
the in'ellc'ut iini the pliiuk to iiiiike its pnirits. I dn not tl)ink uny iin- 
porta'iiin of DmivhiH m n can prevent the Convention from "wearing 
a ?-ouiliuin aspect," as ihe Mercury, of this city, said it must. Prom- 
inent in the crowd at the Mills Hi. use, is the burly foiin of the far- 
famed Geo. N S 'IkKts, New Yolk navy agent. The poliiiL-ians here 
are fond of inqiiring whether he feels eoiiif'ortalile ahout tlie neik, it 
being rumored tiiat the President is about to remove him fur his audac- 
ity in coming down here as a Douglas man. 

There are a greaf m;iny men of distinguished personal appearance to 
be seen ahout the hotels, as usual during National Conventions, speak- 
er>hip contists. and other times of extraordinary comim)ti(>n among pf)I- 
itieiaiis. A huge numl)er have the jieneral characteristics of fir>t class 
gamblers, an<l th'i probahiiity is, there are keepers of the playful animal 
known as " ye tiger " to he found in this vicinity. There are great 
portly fellows, with pntfuberant stomachs and puffy cheeks, red fore- 
head.-), hair thin and grizzly, dressed in glns.sy black and fine linen, with 
the latest st\le of stove-pipe hats, and ponderous gold-headed canes — 
perspiring and smoking, ami engaged in mysterious conversations, con- 
cerning cincus stratagems, of intense interest to themselves. Every 
body is talking about the Convention, and prophesying and wondering 
as to its action. The Dougl.isites claim jirodiginus things. 'Jhe ultra 
Soifhern men sneer at the idea of Doujilas's nomination, and itxiuire — 
" Where was he two years ago?" — and answer the question thetnselves 
— ■' Caucusing with Seward — leagued with the Black Republicans 
against a Democratic Administrati(m." They say his pretenses in the 
Lecompton rebellion were false, and that his subsequent talk proves 
them to be so. Ttiey say bis line of policy then, if honestly followed, 
would have carried him where John W. F'orney is now — into the ranks 
of the liepubjiean party. The Dou;>;las men generally respond by 
speaking of their champion facing dreadful mobs of lilack Repuldieans, 
and gaziiij; into the mouths of pistols, in defense of the riijhts of the South. 
They inquire further, whether Illinois has not always been true to the 
D. moeratie party. I heanl this question put to a fire-eater, and he said, 
'• Did'nt lllinoiselect a Black Republican Governor V" " Who was Bis- 
sellY" The resjionse of tlie Douglas man was, that Bissell was not 
not elected by a majority vote. 'Jhe Southern rejoinder was: " Dd 
Doiighis have a iiiaj .rity of the pnj)ular vote in his Senatorial eontest 
with Lincoln?" And the Douiilasi'e come back with a broadside, di- 
rected at the Danites, or Administration men, who gave Lincoln aid 
and comfort. And so the battle rages along the whole line. 

The Douglas men came down here from their head-quarters In Wash- 
ington, where whisky flows like a river. 

I>ike fome Ta.st river of unfailing source ; 
lOiniJ, exIiaustltMis deeii, • • 

« 

— they were full of enthusiasm — rampant and riotous — "hot as mon- 
keys" — iind procdaim th;it the universal world is for the Little Giant. 
They b:ive a desperate fight before them, and are brim full of the sound 
and fury of boablfulnesa. 



THE DOUGLAS DEMONSTRATION — SENATOR 6LIDKLL. 

CiiAui.ESTON, S. C, April 2lKt, 1860. 

The principal hotels swurm like hives this iiiornitig. Tlie greatest 
crowd is at the IMills ILiUMe, which is the Diiiglas head-quarteis The 
air is full of tobaecostiidke aixi riiiiiors. There is nothing detiriite to 
be found Oit. The private cmsukation rooms are the cent. e-i of inter- 
est, but it is impossible to arrive at results. The fiiends of Douglas 
are by no means disposed to talk about their second choice. They 
swear they have none, and will stick to Dug while the hair is on their 
heads. Tliey won't, however. M;my of them wouM be weary after 
two days' baUoting. Ttie Admini>tration and Southern U. S. Setiators 
scout the idea of the success (»f Douglas. They considtr his defeat a 
foregone conclusion. Slid« U was urged last week to come ilnwn and 
attend to the extermination of his enemy, but said at first, he would not 
— for theie was no danger of the nomination of the obnoxious individ- 
ual. The Douglas men made such demonstrations in Wn.-hington, 
however, an(i indicated such power and confidence, that " Old Hou- 
mas," as hL- enemies style him, concluded to come. He will be here 
this evening, and will operate against Douglas. He is a mai^:;hles8 
wire -worker, Jind the news of his approach causes a flutter. His ap- 
pearance here means wur to the knile. It means also, that the Admin- 
istiation is uneasy on the Douglas question — and feel constrained to 
exert every influence against the Squatty Giant of Illinois, whose nom- 
ination would be perdition to Buchanan, Slidell & Co. 

There is not, however, for the moment, so much bitterness of denun- 
ciation in the talk of the Southern delegates here, as there was on the 
road. The Douglas element is so powerful, that it would be indiscreet 
to exasperate it. And the Dougla.-ites repeat very few of those dis- 
paraging words so familiar in their mouths at home, about the Southern 
fire-e.iters and fanatics. They sing low and roar gently about Southern 
seclionaliMii. All these ill humors must, however, have their breaking 
out in the heat of the Convention. In these jiiping times of private 
caucuses, the bad blood is diplomatically preserved for home consump- 
tion. 

TUE DAY PRECEDING THE CONVENTION DOUGLAS STOCK UP. 

Charleston, S. C, April 22d. 
The run of the current this morning is Douglas-ward. The friends 
of Douglas are encouraged by the events of last night. In the first 
place, the Executive Committee adjourned sine die, without repudia- 
ting the action of Judge Smalley, the Chairman, in issuing tickets to 
the Cagger, Ciissidy and Dean Richmond New Yorkers, and to the 
Douglas Illinois delegation. Fernando Wo d and Ike Cook and their 
delegations are full ot wrath, and denounce Smalley in extreme terms. 
The fight in the Executive Committee on the question of adjournment 
sine die, was a small fight between the Douglas ;ind Anti-Douglas men, 
and the former triumphed by one m^j irity. The Committee, however, 
was not full, only eighteen States being represented. This sends Doug- 
las stock up this Uioruing. Another thing is, the Southern dtlegationa 



have held caucnsop and consultations for two or three days, to try to 
agree upon a c-nndidnte upon whom to concentrate their vote, and upon 
the points of the platform. They had a special meeting last night and 
failed to accomplish any thing, except to exhibit their incapacity to come 
together. The game of the Douglas men, just now, is one they are 
not well qualified to play. It is to be quiet and conciliatory. They try 
to think and act upon the presumption, that they have the Convention 
in their hands, and wish to make all the friends they can in the South. 
They say, and it is possible there is some truth in it, that the failure of 
the South to unite, arises from secret Douglas influences. The ultra 
. Southerners aie becoming more bitter. The delegations from Georgia, 
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas and Texas, have 
agreed to withdraw if Douglas should be nominated, and it is believed 
that a portion of the North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri 
^ delegations would follow. The Douglas men look a little wild at this, 
but say they don't care, and console themselves by assuming that this 
course on the part of the South would be great gain to them in the 
North. They assert their ability to carry all the Northern States, if 
this Southern withdrawal should take place. The South is not unwil- 
ling, if it fails to control the Convention, so far as to defeat Douglas, 
to accept the hazard. The ultras have no doubt of their ability to 
carry six or eight, perhaps more. Southern States. 

They expect Douglas then to carry enough Northern States to carry 
the election into Congress, where they have no doubt the Senate would 
finally be called upon to elect. In case of the nomination of Douglas by 
the Convention, and the withdrawal of the Southern ultras — there would 
be a desperate battle fought in the ultra Snuthern States between the 
slave code and Douglas Democracy ; and it might do the fire-eaters 
great good to be whipped in that way upon their own ground. They 
have, however, unlimited confidence in their ability to carry their own 
States. 

Several incidents occurred last night to raise the spirits of the Doug- 
lasites. 

The majority of, the Pennsylvania delegation is against Douo-las 
and proposing in the caucus last night that Pennsylvania should vote 
as an unit in the Convention ; the Douglasites rebelled, and threat- 
ened to leave the caucus room if the movement of the majority were 
persisted in, whereupon the caucus adjourned, to meet at nine o'clock 
to-morrow morning, when the majority will experiment again on givino- 
the vote of the State solid. The prospect of attaining this solidity, is by 
no means flattering. On the other hand, in the Indiana delegation, 
the Dnuglas majmity triumphed, and the stiff-necked Adminishalion 
district delegates, Develin of Wayne, and Tabot of Marion, knocked 
under, and agreed to go with their Douglas brethren and cast the vote 
of the State as a unit My opinion still is that the chances are against 

the nomination of Douglas. I can see how he can get a majority vote 

but I cannot figure out a two-thirds vote for him. The tide of affairs 
18, however, favorable to him to-day, and the capacity of the prcsuiijnf 
and vrliciiicnt bearers of the political fortunes of the Little Giant to 
realize their prophecies, may be very great. 



^ 



THE NIGHT BEFORE THE CONVENTION. 



Chaulkston, S. C April 22- 10 P. M. 

The excitement in the city to-night is higher than heretofore. The 
politicians are in full blast. I think Douglas stock, which wont up a 
, little this morning, is now drooping. 

Passing l ^in im ' iHa . Hall this evening, I saw the Douglas delegation of 
Congressmen from Illinois, seated mournfully on the steps. Their na- 
tive resolution seemed sicklied o'er by the pale cast of thought, and to 
have lost the name of action. They were pensive and silent. There 
was Logan with his dark, narrow face, and black hair and eyes, gazing 
upon one of the pillars, his hat tilted far back on his head, his hands in 
his pockets, and his mouth full of tobacco. There was Col. McCler- 
nand, with peaked face, running to a hooked nose, sadly playing with 
his watch-guard. Presently there was Richardson, the Douglas leader 
in the Cincinnati delegation, and the champion in the House of Repre- 
sentatives, of the Little Giant, in the days of the Kansas Nebraska Bill. 
Poor Richardson has had a hard time of it. He left Congress, where 
he might have been a fixture, and made the canvass for Governor of Illi- 
nois against Bissell. He did this against his wishes, and to carry the 
State, where his popularity with his party is second only to that of 
Douglas. He was influential in carrying the State for Buchanan, but 
lost his own election He was appointed Governor of Nebraska, and 
resigned after the Lecompton rebellion, to escape removal. He is a 
fine specimen of a strong, coarse man. He has an immense no.^e and 
mouth, and fine eyes, and amid such scenes as are here being enacted, 
he is second to none as a, worker of sagacity and force. 

The Mills House, where Douglas " men most do congregate," is as 
lively as a molasses barrel with flies. Here is where the outside pressure 
is brought to bear. It is here that " public opinion " is rej)resented ac- 
cording to Douglas. Here they tell you Douglas must be the nominee 
— " all that is to be done is to ratify the voice of the people." There 
is nothing but a few ballots, and all is over — Douglas the nominee — 
South will come down — certain to be elected. The country safe — the 
party safe. They only want a "chance to raise the war-whoop for 
Douglas in the North-west — that's all. Carry every State North-west 
— carry Ohio? Lord, yes! Carry Ohio by twenty thousand. If 
somebody suggests, but where are your figures ? How can you obtain 
the two-thirds vote requisite to nominate ? And half a dozen of the 
makers of public opinion tell you all about it. Every thing North is 
claimed of course, and you hear that on certain ballots, Kentucky, Mis- 
souri, and Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, California and Oregon, 
are coming into line. "And suppose Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia 
and Louisiana, with scattering delegates in other States, go out — what 
then?" "What? why tremendous gains in the North, to be sure, 
just the thing we want." But if you suggest, " Douglas stock is droop- 
ing a little this evening. It is not at the high mark it was this morning. 
You have enthusiasm enough, but you have not the votes." You are 
told, " Not a bit of it. Douglas stock down — not possible. It can't 
0-0 down." 



10 

There is " For God's sake Linder," of Illinois. TTo made a speech 
last niglir, in Hilicrriia Hall to the faithful, somothin^ jilfer the John 
Brougli f>tyle of uliqtience. Ilis lineti suffered in theiff.nt, and he has 
not l)eeri at |iaiiis to conceal the evidences of his enthu>ia,-ni by the 
proper change. Ilis collar and cravat have seen service evidently. 
He gets his name " For God's sake Linder," from a letter which 
Douglas once wrote him saying, "for God's sake, Linder, come down 
here, I need hidp. " Some enterprising editor obtained a cojty of the 
letter, and printed it, atid it has not been forgotten. There is the en- 
terpri>ing firm of Faran & McLean, looking solemn as the grave, and 
button holeini; some lefiactory delegate, telling him how es.^entiai it is 
to the safe'y of the universe that Douglas shouhi be noniinaied. Tliey 
of cour.-e don't feel any personal interest in tlie matter. They are af- 
flicted with principle only. T. .leff Sherlock, Esq., is looking in upon 
the crowd, and don't thiidc Douglas can be nominated. He represents 
the Collec'or's ofiTce, and the virtuous Douglas men, who don't want 
office, itiM-t that he is ncdjody because he is in offi(;e. And radiant in 
a full suit of white along comes W J. Flagg, E-q., legislator — the 
man who was so bold as to advocate the admission of fresh air info the 
hall of a delilieraiive assembly in Ohio. It is clear tliat he is an inno- 
vator, and iti the>e times, when conservatism is so much in deujand, he 
uju.>.t be held to be dan>;erous. 

Passing along we find a tall portly man in glossy black, with a bad 
stoop in the shoulder?, a new stove-pi[)e hat retaining in places the 
original shim;, a bright red face out of which look brilliant eyes, carry- 
ing in his right hand, as if it were a mace, a huge gold-heaiied cane — 
It is Col. Orr. of South Carolina, late Speaker of the House, and now 
suspected of Douglas inclinations and of a willingness to be either 
President or Vce President of the United States. He is in the midst 
of a confi.lenrial talk with a burly, piratical looking person in a gray busi- 
ness suit, the sack coat making him look even more squatty than he 
really is. The features of this individual are a little on the buH-dog 
order. He does not look like a man of much intellect, but is evident- 
ly a marked man — a man of energy and perseverance, of strength and 
strategy. Ponderous as he is, he moves lightly. Fat as he is, he is 
restless, and as he smokes his cigar, he consu>nes it with furious inces- 
sant wh ff-i. Toe black whiskers are sprinkled lightly with fj^ay. It is 
Young America, otherwise Geo. Sanders. And, so, so, Mr. Orr, we 
see how the cat is jumping with you. You would have no objections 
to be second choice of the Douglas men — not a bit. Ytm would be 
willing to take the Vice Presidency at the hands of the Douglas De- 
mocracy, wouldn't you? And, so, so, you got up a Convention in 
South Carolina the other day, Mr. Orr. The Platform was a little too 
strongly anti-Douglas to suit you, but that could not be helfied. You 
could not do too much violence to the tiaiiitional leading Southern pro- 
clivities of South Carolina. You did all you could. Your intentions 
were towani Donglas, and yourself, if you dared, you wouM, with 
your So\ii|i Carolina delegation, make common cause with the I)ou<'-las 
men. iJut you dare not do that. And we leave you, Col. Orr, in the 
care of Geo Sanders. 



11 

At tbe Cbarlcpton ITouse we find another atmospliorc. TTcre are 
the fire-oaters in full force. We tiiii^s the prince of thon, Y.uici'y of 
Alabaina. II« is not a man to talk coiifiiJcntially in en wil.s. He 
don't talk politics wiili or like the common herd. He may I e found in 
the [trivate parlor of the Alabama deh-gition. And then- is I'aik.sdale, 
the Congies-man of iMi.'-sit^sip|)i, with his hat pulled down ovi-r his 
riu'ht eye. He has a way of throwing his head on one side and turning 
up his chin, and talking in a short sharp way, like a N< w Yoik H'hoy. 
He is thick set, Inoad shouhlered and short-legged. His cyf; is small 
and fierce. The wliole country knows that he wears a wig — for Potter, 
of Wisconsin, kiioikid it iff once upon a time. ]Jut as fir a duel, be- 
ware of meeting Barksdale with bowie-knives! He knows how to han- 
dle the implement and lias handled it. The fire eateis are talking about 
principle. A Douj^las man or two have strayed down here, and are 
trying to explain that Douglas don't really mean any thing by popular 
soveieignty. "He had to talk that pretty strong to get back to the 
Senate." The people must be talked to violently about somelliing — 
might as will say popular sovereignty to them as anything else. 
" Douglas would leave it all to the Courts at last. The Courts will fix 
it all ri^ht. Let us drop this immaterial issue and go in fur tliu strong- 
est niaii — and his name is Stephen A. Douglas." The South listens 
and commences — " What, and we must throw a bone to the Abolition- 
ists, must we, eh? We must coniproniise with Abolitionism in oicicr to 
Carry the North — must we ? We must take up an unsound man, or 
lose the battle — must we? No, sir. We have had too much of this. 
It is time the Democratic party took up sound men, and fought on prin- 
ciple, it is the best policy to fight on principle. Mayor Wood carried 
New York on principle. Connecticut would have been carried, if it had 
not been for the taint of Douglasism. Rhode Island victory! There 
is no such thing. The Sewani Ref)ublicans and Douglas Democrats in 
lihode I.-land united and beat a John Brown Helperiic. That's the 
way of it. I tell you we can succeed without Douglas. He is the 
weakest man out. But if he was strongest, I would not give a damn 
for a victoiy with him. I want the party destroyed if it is a one-man 
party. 1 want defeat if we can't have honest victory. No unfriendly 
legislation shall exclude our property from the Territories. We aiust 
have our property protected." 

This is not, by any means, an imaginary conversation. I have heard 
two to-night that were in substance as 1 have set down here. 

To complete the rounds to-night, we must go over to King street, 
and h.'ok in upon the head-quarters of the Administration Senators es- 
tablished luxuriously there, in a large old-fashioned building, overlook- 
ing and entered through an ice-cream garden, which, though this I9 
Sunday evening, is open to the public, and thionged by visitors. The 
Administration Senators tell us that they are not at all uneasy on the 
subject of the nomination of Douglas. They say he cannot possibly 
get more than one hundred and six votes on the first ballot ; that his 
strength will never be as great as it was at Cincinnati after Pierce was 
withdrawn; th9t is, they say, "if there is truth in men." But some- 
times, and this is one of them, there is not truth in men. Douglas will 



12 

not, I pro-ume, bo mmiitiated, but be will get more than one hundred 
and six vutos._ 

The Adininiistration Senators tell us Douglas is not to be the nomi- 
nee — cannot get one-half the votes — nothing like it. If these Senators 
are speaking the truth, then there are lies enough told at the Mills 
House every day to sink a ship, if each one only weighed but an ounce. 
And the Senators produce the figures. Douglas will hardly get a vote 
from a slave State, unless it may be one or two from each of the States 
of Maryland and Missouri. New York is dead against him. Neither 
delegation from that State is for him, and the State must vote as an 
unit. But will it V Senators say yes. And Pennsylvania l Sena- 
tors say Douglas cannot certainly get a vote from Pennsylvania. The 
majority of the delegation is for Breckenridge, and it is the Hunter and 
Guthrie men who are strongest against State unity. But they will all 
come in — every man — and the State will be an unit against Douglas. 
It will all be fixed in the morning. And Senators say also that Massa- 
chusetts is against Douglas — dead and united against him — and Maine 
evenly divided. New Hampshire is for him, and waiting to have him 
slaughtered, in order to introduce to the Convention the name of Frank- 
lin Pierce. Senators are bitter. They are not only against the Presi- 
dential aspirations of the Senator of Illinois, but they hate him most 
cordially, and some of them swear vengeance. 

The full-faced gentleman without a vest, sittinq; on the corner of a 
. . . . 

chair, and smoking a fragrant cigar in the contemplative style — the gen- 
tleman with long brown curling hair, parted in the middle — is Senator 
Bayard, of Delaware, a distinguished lawyer and a Democratic partisan 
of long standing. He could do his State some service, by belping her 
to get rid of slavery, but he is a pro-slavery man. He is a descendant 
of the illustrious Chevalier Bayard, the knight without fear or reproach. 
Senator Bayard is a handsome, courtly gentleman, who is personally a 
goodly man to know. 

The heavy, closely-shaven gentleman, with yellow vest, open, that 
its wearer may have the benefit of the breeze — the gentleman leaning 
against the railing, in his chair, looking like a business man more than 
a Senator (if we may be allowed such a distinction), is Jesse D. Bright, 
who has long been the king caucus of Indiana. Mr. Bright's hatred of 
Duugbis is, perhaps, just now, the strongest passion of his soul. Doug- 
las voted to exclude him from the Senate, and their relations are those 
of irreconcilable and deadly hate. It is reported that he swears he will 
stump Indiana, county by county, against Douglas, if he should be 
nominated. 

The rosy gentleman, with the farmer-like aspect, slightly inclined to 
be just fat enough to be sleek, and whose countenance is so placid that 
you would not imagine he had ever been crushed by Douglas in debate, 
or become weak in the knees, and been guilty of wincing at Southern 
thunder, the gentleman who has just ascended the stairs, and has thrown 
biinself into a perspiration, and who is alternately nuifiping with his 
handkerchief and fanning with his bat, is the Hon. "William Bigler, of 
Pennsylvania. Within, seated at a round talde, on which books, news- 
papers and writing material is scattered about, is a gentleman with long, 



13 



tliin white hair, through which the top of his head hlushes like the shell of 
a boiled lobster. The gentleman has also a cherry-red face, the color 
being that produced bj good health, and good living joined to a florid 
teuiperanient. His features are well cut, and the expression is that of 
a tbouLThtful. hard-working, resolute man of the world. lie is a New 
Yorker by birth, but has made a princely fortune at the New Orleans 
bar. He is not a very eloquent man in the Senate, but liis ability is 
unquestioned ; and it is universally known that he is with the present 
Administration, the power behind the throne greater than tiie throne 
itself. Mr. Buchanan is as wax in his fingers. The name of this gen- 
tleman is John Slidell. His special mission here is to see that Stephen 
A. Douglas is not nominated for the Presidency. If I am not much 
mistaken, he just now manipulated a few of the North-eastern men with 
such marvelous art, that they will presently find they are exceedingly 
anxious to defeat the nomination of Douglas, and they will believe that 
they arrived at the conclusions now coming uppermost in their minds in 
their own way. 

There has been a great deal more drunkenness here to-day than here- 
tofore. Most of the violent spreeing is done by roughs from the North- 
ern x\tlantic cities who are at last making their appearance, 'i'here 
have been a number of specimens of drunken rowdyism and imbecility 
about the hotels. And I hear, as I write, a company of brawlers in 
the street making night hideous. 



LIST OF DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CON- 
VENTION. 

[From the Secretarj's Roll.] 

The following, furnished by the Secretary of the Convention to the 
Charleston newspapers, is the most correct List of Delegates published. 
The list cannot be absolutely accurate, for the reason that some of the 
orio-inally accredited delegates never appeared — and after the first day 
of the Convention, changes were constantly being made : 



Thos. Bradbury, Eastport. 
George F. Stapley, Portland. 
E. Wilder Finley, Newcastle. 
Amos M. Roberts, Bangor. 
S. R. Lyman, Portland. 
Thomas K. Lane, Saco. 
S C. Blanchard, Yarmouth. 
Calvin Record, Auburn. 
Thomas D. Robiusou, Bath. 
Henry W. Owen, Bath. 
Henry A. Wyman, Snowhegan. 
Charles D. Jameson, Bangor. 
J. Withrop Jones, Ellsworth. 
P. S. J. Talbot, East Machias. 
J. Y. McCUntock, Belfast. 
W. H. Burvill, Belfast. 



John S. Robinson, Bennington. 

Jasper Rand, Berkshire. 

Henry Key.s, Newbury. 

E. M. Brown, Woodstock. 

Charles G. Eastman, Montpelier. 

Pitt W. Hyde, Hydeville. 

H. E. Stouahton, Bellows Falls. 



Stephen Thomas, West Fairlee. 
Lucius Robinson, Newport. 
H. B. Smith, Milton. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Josiah Miuot, Concord. 
Daniel Marcy, Portsmouth. 
Robert S. Webster, North Barnstead. 
George W. Stevens, Dover. 
Aaron P. Hughes, Nashua. 
Edward W. Harringtou, iManchester. 
Alpheus F. Snow, Claremont. 
Ansel Glover, Alstead. 
William Burns, Lancaster. 
George A. Bingham, Bath. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Caleb Gushing, Newburyport. 
Jas. G. Whitney, Boston. 
Oliver Stevens, Boston. 
Isaac Davis, Worcester. 
Wm. C N. Swift, New Bedford. 
Edward Merrill, New Bedford. 
Phineas W. Lelaud, Fall River. 
Alex. Lincoln, Hingham. 
Orison Underwood, Miiford. 



14 



Bradford L V\'ales, Randolph. 
James IliUiv. I! 'Sloii. 
Isaac II VViiu'lit. noston. 
Cornelius l)<.li. r(y, Uoston. 
K. S. Chiir.e Eist Cain'-iridge. 

E. G. Wi.li ims. Newburyport. 
C. G. Clark. I.yni 

F. O. Priiico. VViiirhcster. 
Geo. Johnson, UraUford. 
Brtij F niit'cr. LowcjU 
Walter Fes-e kIii!, Townsend. 
Henry II s-cvihs, Dudley. 
Geo. VV. Cill. Worcester. 

C. W (;ha;jin, Springfield. 
Josiah Allis, VVhatoiy. 

D. N C^irpoiiter, Crtenfield. 
Charles llcebuer, Lee. 

CONNECTICUT. 

James T I'ratt, Roek Hill. 
Samuel Ari'JId, Ilndlmi 
Andrew <.'. I.i pitt, New London. 
W U. Hisliop. Biidgeport. 
A. G. Hissnl. Kiptield. 
M. R. West. »t*!lord. 

E. Aug RussL-U Middlctown. 
C M. Ingersol, New Haven. 
Wm. L. Coiverse. Norwich. 
Rufus L. Itjker. Windham. 
James G tllijrner. New Haven. 
P. C. CalUoua, Uiid Report. 

KHODE ISLAND. 

Welconne B. Sayies, Providence. 
Charles S B .»d.ey, Hrovidciice. 
George H. IJrow.ie, Providt-nce. 
John N. Fr.iiieis, I'rovideiice. 
Edward F. Newlo i. Newport. 
Ainasa .S triiic Providence. 
Gideon Braiilord l'rovideiii,e. 
Jacob Babbit, Bristol. 

NEW YORK. 

Dean Rich nond, BafTalo. 

Augustus .S liell, ^ew York city. 

Isaac V. I'owler, N w York city. 

Delos DoWolf Oswego. 

Wm. 11 Liidli.w, S.iyville. 

Teuiiis (; lier^ei. Uai^ridge. 

H. McLan{;;;ii i. Brook yn. 

Francis II. .spmola. Mrooklyn. 

John Y Sava.'e. New York city. 

Win. Miner. New Vork i ily. 

Samuel L M, !! nloiv. New York city. 

John i;iaii<y. New York i ity 

Isaiah Ryi d rs. New York city. 

Edmun I ltiij'.;s, Uioiklyn. 

John Cn(-lir.-i le, New York city. 

Au.'uste H I ii'iMt, New York liry. 

Nelson J W iii, runry. New York city. 

Win. N. M.li.t\rr. N w York city. 

Edward Cuo.er. New York eitv. 

Samuel F. H ulerworth. Now York city. 

Giiuvcrneur Keiililo. (^old Spririjjs. 

Edwin (Jro'^vv 11. New York city. 

Benjamin F. PM-iill, G ishen. 

John <:. Ilollcv, Monlicello. 

Wm. F. Rissell. Saiit'crtics 

Geo. Beat h Cairo 

Theiidor(r >.'iller I'udson. 

Henry Slaals, Red II. mk. 

David L ■-(■ inoer. Troy. 

MoHcs W.ineri, 'I'riiv. 

EniKtut Ciin.iiu'. A hany. 

Peter Ca 'L-er. A I any 

John TilciMiib. Wiiierf.ird 

CharloK it In.-.ill^ Grcnwieh. 

Lomuol Stel-.oii i'Ultbbuii;h. 



Henry A. Tilden, New Lebanon. 

.lames C. .Spencer, Ogdensburf. 
Lorenzo Cairyl, Sails lury. 
Alonzo C. Paige, .Schenectady. 
David Spraker. Oanajoharie. 
Samuel North. Uiiadilla 
Alevaiid. r H. Burhans, Roxbury. 
John S'ryker. Rome. 
D. P Bis.-.el, Utica. 
Henry S. Randall. Cortlandvillo. 
John F Hubbard, jr., Norwich. 
Willard Johnson, Fulton. 
Sidney T. Fairchild. Cazenovia. 
D. C. West Lowville 
Allen C. Bec;< h, Watertown. 
James P. Haskin Syracuse. 
John J. Peck, Syracuse 
Elmore P. Ross, Auburn. 
John N. Kiiapp, Aunurn. 
Wm. W. Wrisht. Geneva. 
Darius A. O^den, Peiin Yan. 
Henry D. Barto, Trumansburgh. 
Charles Hiilett, Horseheads. 
C. C. B Walker, Corning. 

A. J. Abbott, Genesee. 
S. B. .fewett, Clarkson. 

B. F. Gilkeson, Rochester. 
Marshall B Champ ain, Cuba. 
Heiiiy J. Glowacki, Batavia. 
Sa.iford E Church, Albion. 
A. H Easinian, Lockport. 
John T. Hudson, BulFalo. 
Alpheus t'niice, Clatence. 

Jo, in »' Devereux. EUicottville. 
H. J. Miner, Dunkirk. 

NEW JERSEY. 

William Wright, Newark. 
Benjamin Williamson, Elizabeth. 
Jaaies W. Wall (absent), Burliii(ton- 
Joim C RafTcrty. New Germault,wn. 
Samuel Hanna, Camden. 
Joh'i L. Sharp, Miliville. 
Georye F. Fort. New E^ypt. 
David Naar, Trenton 
Albeit R. Speer, New Brunswick. 
Joshua Doughty, Somerville. 
Riibert Ilamiiton, Newlon. 
John Uu' ler, Hackensaek 
Saniunl Westcott, Jersey city, 
Jacob Vau Arsdale, Newark. 

DELAWARE. 

John H. Beverley, Smyrna. 
William H Ross Sealord. 
James A. Bavard Wilmington. 
John B Pi;nniiigtoii, Pover. 
William G Wliiiely, Newcastle. 
William Saulsbury, Georgetown. 

MARYLAND. 

John Contee, Bucna Vista. 
William T. Hiiuiitoii, Ilugerstowrn. 
Levin Wnolio.d, I'riiuos Ann. 
John R Ell o y. Otitreviile. 
Wm. S tiitiiiit.'3, Baltimore city. 
Samuel S Maflit. lOlkton. 
Carville S St msbury, Stemncr's Run. 
Wm. Byrne, Baltimore city 
E L. F. Hardiastle, Ro\ai Oak. 
Daiiel Field, Fed ralsliuig. 
Robert J Brent. Baltimoie city. 
T M Linahan, B.i.tin.ore i ily. 
-t- Brad ey .]. Johnson. Frederick city. 
John J. Morrison. Barton. 
O'^rar Miles. Viie'<iowii. 
William D Bowie, Prime G, orgc county. 



15 



VIRGINIA. 

Arthur K. Smith, Tortsmouth. 

John J IviiidriH), Jerusalem. 

Lewis E. H;ii-vie, Chala 

Wm. F. Tliompsoii, Crimea. 

William II. Clark, Halifax Court House. 

Walter Coles. I'iltsv Ivaiiia Court House. 

Edmund W. Hubard, Curdsville. 

Roboit H. Glass, Lyiifhburg. 

William L. E^rly Madison Court House. 

Robert A. (-O-hill, New Glasgow. 

Walter D. Leake, Gooclilaud Court House. 

Jas. Hobhs, M uiehe.>ter. 

George Booker. Hamplon. 

M. W Fisher, EastviUe. 

Wm. A Bi.ekner. Uowling Green. 

Henry T Gan.el t. Oak Grove. 

Jiimes Barbour. Brandy Station. 

John Seddon, Fiedericksburg. 

John Dlair Hose, Maitinsburg. 

0. R. Funsten, While Post. 

S. M. Yost, Stan itou. 

S. H. Mollatt, Harrisonburg. 

Daniel If Ho e. Bl:icksburg. 

James W. Davis, Greenville Court House. 

Robert L. Crockett, Wythefille. 

William T. Cecil, Tazewell Court House. 

Henry Fiizhugh. Kanawha Court House. 

John Braniiou, Wosl(m. 
William G. Brown, Kingwood. 
Charlts W. Russell, Wheeling. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

William W. Avery, Morgantown. 
William S. A.-he, v\ilmingtou. 
Bedford Brown, Locust Hill. 
William H Holdeii Raleigh. 
Williim A Moore, Edenton. 
Nicholas M. Long, VVeldon. 
Robert R. Bridytr.s, 'I'aiboro'. 
Lotte W. Hutnpnrey, Richland. 
Walter L. Steele, Rockingham. 
James Fulton, Wilmington. 
Thomas S Green. VVarrenton. 
J. W B. Watson, Sii.iihfield. 
Robert !'. D'.ck, Greensboro'. 

Charles S. U instead, Roxboro'. 

Samuel Ilar^'rave, Lexington. 

Hampton B. Ilanmiond, Wadesboro'. 

Willia.ri Lundeis. Lincolnton. 

Columlms .Mill.s, Columbus. 

Henry T. Fanner, Flat Rock. 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 

James Simons, Charleston. 

Samuel .MctJowan A'lbeville Court House. 

H. B. Wilson, Geo getovvn. 

R. B. Boylston, Wmnsboro'. 

J H Witherspoon La-icaster Court House 

E. W. Charles, Darlington Court House. 

George N. Reynolds, Charleston. 

Thoma-- Y Yimous. Chaileston. 

James Patterson, Barnwell Court House. 

B. H Brown, Barnwell Court House. 

Arthur S m|)kiiis. E igefield Court House. 

Lemuil B J zer Leviigtou Court House. 

B. F. Periy. Greenville. 

J. P. Rcid A iderson Court House. 

John S Pre ton Columbia. 

Franklin GaiUard, Columbia. 

GEORGIA. 

Henry L. B'inning. Columbus. 
John H Lumpkin. Rome. 
Isaiah T irvvi i, VVasiiiiigton. 
Henry R JicUson .Savannah. 
Junius Wjajri'.ld Eilo itoa. 
ULain VVaiuer, Gicenville. 



Solomon Cohen, Savannah. 

James L Seward, Thornasvillo. 

Julian llartridge. Savannah. 

W B. Gaulden, Huntsville. 

W. J. Johnson, Fort liaiiies. 

John A. Jones, Columbus. 

James M. Clark, Lumpkin. 

W M. Slaughter. Albany. 

E. L. Stroccker, Macon. 

P. Tracy, Macon. 

O. C. Gibson, Griilin. 

E J. McGehee. Perry. 

James J. Diamond Stone Mountain. 

J. A Render, Greenvi le. 

Samuel C. Chaedlor, CarroUton. 

G J Fain, Calhoun 

E. R. H.irdm, Dalton. 

James Hoge, Atlanta. 

Mark Johnston, (;aitersville. 

William 11. Hull, Athens. 

George Uillyer. Monroe. 

A A Franklin Hill. Aihens. 

Henry P. Thomas, Lawrenceville. 

L H. Brisco, \lilledi;eville. 

Jell' Lamar, Covin. ton, 

J. W. Burney, Monticello. 

James Thomas, Sparta. ' 

L. A iN'elms, 

D. C. Barrow, Lexington. 
II Cleveland, Augusta. 
H. R. Casey. App.L.g. 

FLORIDA. 

T. J. Krpes, Apalachicola. 

John .Nil It on, Mariinna. 

B. F. Wardlaw, Madison Court House. 

C E. Dyke. Ta laha.>isee. 

George L. Bowne, Key West. 

James B. Owens, Ocala. 

ALABAMA. 

F. S. Lyon, Demopolis. 
A B. Meek Mobile. 

D. W. Bayiie, Havneville. 
W. L. Yancey, Montgoniery. 
L. A Laiifler, Talladega. 
J. A. Winston, ^lobl.e. 
L P. Walker, Huntsville. 
H. D. Smiih, uraveley Springs 

G. G. Gnllin, Demopoiis 
N. H. R. Dawson Selma. 
R. G. Scott, Claiborne. 

J W. p.irter, NeggsviUs. 

L. L. Cato, Enfala. 

T. J. Burnett, Greenville. 

J. R, Breare, Newton. 

M. J Bulger, DadeviUe. 

P. O. liar, er. West Point. 

J, C. B. Mitchell Mount Meigs. 

W. C Vldver, Tuskeegee. 

John Erwin, Gruensborough. 

W. M Brooks, Maiion. 

J. C Guild I'uscaloosa. 

A. W. Dlliard, Livingston. 

F (i Norman, Tuscumi ia. 

R. M Patton, FJorcn c. 

W. C. Slierrod i:ouitlai d. 

R. Chapman, Hunisvil :e. 

G. C. Bradley, llanisviUe. 

T. B Cooper, < entre. 

A. J. Henry. Guntcrsville. 

T J. Bradford, Talladega. 

W Ganett, Bradlord. 

P. G. King, Moiitevallo. 



MISSISSIPPI. 

W. S Barry, Columbm. 
Chirles i;rarke, Prentiss. 
E. BarKsda.e, Jackson. 



16 



W. S. Wilson, Port Gibson. 
James Urane, lianliston. 
Beverly M.itthuws, Columbus. 
P. M. Thomson, Houston. 
\V. II 11. Ti.sou Carroll ville. 
Joseph R. Davis, Canton. 

C. E. Hooker, Jackson, 
J. T. Sims, Delta. 

D. C. Glenn, Mississippi city. 
Geo. H. Gordon, Woodville. 

ARKANSAS. 

J. p. Johnson, Laconia. 
T. B. Flournoy, Laconia. 
N. Burrows, Van Buren. 

F. A. Perrj-, W'averly Po.st Office. 
Jno. J. Stiriuan, Dardauelle. 
Jno. A Jordan, South Iteud. 
Van U. Manning, Hamburg. 

K. \Y. Uoudley, Little Kock. 

KENTUCKY. 

(i. A. Caldwell, Loui.'ville. 
U. P. White, tirceusburg. 
J. C. Mason, Owingsville. 
R. K. Williaui.-J, .Ma.yiield. 
Wni. Bradley, Madisonville- 

G. II. Morrow, Paducah. 
Lafayette (ireen, Fall.'; of Rough. 
S. B. Greenfield, llopkinsville. 
(i. T. Wood, Munfordsvilltj, 

J. A. Pinn, Pranklin. 

S. B. Field, (.'olumbia. 

John S. Kindriek, Somersett. 

R. Spalding, Lebanon. 

W. B. Read, Hodgesville. 

John Dishnian, liarbourville. 

Colbert Cecil, Fiketon. 

Wm. Garvin, Loui.-iville. 

.'^. E. Dchaven, LaG range. 

R. M. John.-;on, White Sulphur. 

J. B. Beck, Lexington 

N. Green, New Liberty. 

R. McKee, Louisville. 

H. D. Helm. Newport. 

R. P. Butler. Carrolton. 

TEN'NE83EK. 

Andrew Ewing, Na.shville 
John R. Howard, Lebanon. 
J. D. ('. Atkins, Paris. 
Samuel Milligan, (ireenTille 
\\'m. Ilunry .Maxwell, Jonesboro'. 
.John D. Kiley, Rogersville. 
Thonia« M. Lyon, Knoxville. 
W. K. B. Jone.-i. Livingston.! 
<;eorge \V. Rowlcs, Cleveland. 
William AVall;u-e, Maryvillc. 
David Bunford, Dixon Springs. 
James M. Sheid, Manchester. 
John McGavock, Franklin. 
Jamci M. Avcnt, Murfreesboro'. 
Robert Matthews, Shelbyville. 
\\ . L McClelland, Lewi.«burg. 
Thomas W. Jones, Pula-ski. 
U . C. Whittliorne. Columbia. 
Alfred Robb, Clarksvillc. 
Thomfifl Meuecs, Springfield. 
Wm. H. Wall, Paris. 
James < on nor, Ripley. 
Will. H. Carrol, Memphis. 
.Samuel McClonahan, Jackson. 

MISBOnRI. 

J. It. Henderson, l/ouisiana. 

W. J W. MclMiany, St. Charles. 

K F. lAkf-maii, ilnnnibal. 

G A. Sliorlri'lge, lUooiuington. 

John I». Clark, WaxUln^ton City, D. C. 



Austin A. King, Richmond. 

George P. Dorris, Platte city. 

James Craig, St. Joseph. 

Wm. Douglass, Boonville. 

N. C. Claiborne, Kan.sas city. 

P. S. Wilkes Springfield. 

J. A. Scott, Elk Mills. 

C. G. Corwin, Jefferson city. 

J. ¥. Men.se, Washington, Franklin county. 

A. Hunter, Benton. 

John O'Fallon, jr.. Sulphur Springs. 

John M. Krum, St Louis. 

Sam. B. Churchill, St. Louis. 



A. C. Dodge, Burlington. 

B. M. Samuels, Dubuque. 

D. 0. Finch, Des Moines. 
Wm. H. Merritt, Cedar l{apids. 
T. W. (^laggett, Keokuk. 

J. W. Bosler, Sioux City. 

E. U Thayer, Mu.scatine. 

W. U. M. Pusey, Council Bluffs. 

WISCONSIN. 

John R. Sharpstein, Milwaukee. 
Alex. S Palmer, Geneva. 
Alex. F. Pratt, Waukesha. 
Wm. A. Barstow, Jauesville. 
James H. Earnest, Shulsburgh. 
Oiarlea Whipple, Eau Claire. 
Perry H. Smith, Appleton. 
Frederick W. Horn, Cedarburg. 
Edward S. Bragg, bond Du Lao. 
John Fitzgerald, Oshkosh . 

MINKESOTA. 

W. A. Gormans, St. Paul. 
George L. Becker, St. Paul. 
Ileniy H Sibly, Mendota. 
A. J. Edgertou, Mantorville. 
A. M. Fridlcy, St. Anthony. 
J. Travis Hostler, Maukato. 
W. W. Phelps, Red Wing. 



S. S. Marshall, McLeansboro'. 
0. B. FicUlin. Charleston. 
W. A. Richardson, Quincy. 
R. T. Merrick, Chicago. 
Wm M. Jackson, Union. 
John D. Piatt, Warren. 
John B. Turner, Chicago. 

A. M. Ilerrington, Geneva. 
Allen \Vithers. Bloomington. 
R. E. Goodell, .loliet. 

B. S. Prettyman, Pekin. 
R. HoUoway, Monmouth. 
W. H. RoUoson, Dallas city. 
James M. Campbell, Macomb. 
Murry Mc(JonneU, Jacksonville. 
IVm. F. Thornton, Shelbyville. 
Aaron Shaw, Lawreuceville. 

W. F. Linder, Chicago. 
S. A. Buckmaster, Alton. 
Z. Casey, Mount Vernon. 
W. J. Allen, Marion. 
M . H. Green, Metropolis. 

OHIO. 

Geo. ^V. McCook, Steubenville. 
Geo. E. Pugh, ( incinnati. 
D. P. Rhodes, (Cleveland. 
\^ashington McLean, Cincinnati. 
Henry B. Bowman, Cincinnati. 
Charles Rule. Cincinnati. 
Wesley M. Cameron, Cincinnati. 
William T. Forrest, Cincinnati. 
A.. P. Miller, Hamilton. 



17 



George W. Tlouk, Dayton. 

Sabirt Soolt, St. Mary's. 

Josbua TownseiiJ, Greenville. 

James U. S'eedman, Toledo. 

Wui. Mungen, Findlay. 

J. B. Cockerill, West Uaioa. 

T. C. Kennedy, Batavia. 

Durbin iN ard, Lebanon. 

W. M. SUrk, Xeiiia. 

George Speiice, Springfield. 

R. E. Itunkle, West Liberty. 

Edward F. Dickinson, Fremont. 

Abner il. Jackson, Bucyrus. 

Thoma.s McNalley, Chilicothe. 

Wells A. Ilutchius, Portsmouth. 

Lot L. Smich, Athens. 

E. F. Bingham, McArthur. 

Wayne Griswold, Circleville. 

Geo. B. Smith, Newark. 

Thomas W Bartley, Mansfield. 

John Tiffr, Norwalk. 

J. A. Marchand, Wooster. 

J. P. Jeffries, Woo.ster. 

J. G Stewart, < Coshocton. 

R. H. Nugen, Newcomerstown. 

S. R. Hosuier, Zanesville. 

W. \V. Coues, (lincinnati. 

J. S. Way, Woodsfield. 

W. Eaton, Morristown. 

8. Lahm, Canton. 

S. D Harris, jr., Ravenna. 

H. B. Payne, Cleveland. 

J. W. Gray, Cleveland. 

David Tod, Brier Hill. 

D. B. Woods, Warren. 
Thomsis S. Woods, New Lisbon. 
B. F. Potts, Carrollton. 

INDIANA. 

E. M Hunfington, Terre IIaut«. 
S. H Buskirk Bloomington. 
Robert Lowry, Gc^hen 

James B Foley, Greensburgh. 
John S. Gavitt, Kvansville. 
Smith Miller. Patoka 
J. B Norman, New Albany. 
S. K. Wolfe, Corydon. 
P. Dunning, Bloomington. 
H. W. Harrington, Madison. 
J. V Bemusdaffer, Greensburgh. 
John Anderegg, Lawrenceburgh. 
Lafe Devlin, Cambridge i ity. 
Edmund Johnson, Newcastle. 
W. H. Talbot, Indianapolis. 
J M Gregg, Danville. 
E Read, Terre Haute. 
H K. Wilson, Sullivan. 
L B. Stockton, Lafayette- 
Isaac C. Ellston. CrawfordsTllle. 
G. Hathaway, Lap rte. 
8. A. Hall, Logansport. 



P. Hoagland, Fort Wayne. 
G. AV. Mc'Connell, Angola. 
Wm Garver, Noblesville. 
John R. luflroth, Huntington. 

I.00I8IANA. 

E. LiiSere. Now Orleans, 

E. Lawrence, New Orleans. 

F. H Hatch, New Orleans. 
A. Talbot. Iberville 

R. A. Hunter, Alexandria. 

Richard Taylor. St. Charles Parish. 

D D Withers, New Orleans 

John TarUon, Bayou Bueff, St. Mary's Parish. 

Charles Jones, Trinity. 

B W. Pearce, Sparta, Bienville Parish.] 

A Mouton, Vermilionville. 

James A llcHatton, Baton Rouge. 

TEXAS. 

H. R. Runnels, Boston. 
E Greer, Marshall. 
Thos P. Ochiltree, Marshall. 
M. W Covey, Jefferson. 
JF. R Lubbock, Houston. 
Guy M Bryan, Galveston. 
Josiah F Crosby, Kl Paso. 

F. S Stockdale, Port Lavaca. 

MICHIGAN. 

George V. N. Lothrop, Detroit. 
Charles E. Stuart, Kalamazoo. 
H H. Riley. Constanline. 
George \\'. Perk, Lnnsing. 
Beoj. Follctt, Ypsilanti. 
Fidus Livermore. Jackson. 
John G. Parkhurst, Coldwater. 
Philo Wilson, < anandaigua. 
Franklin Muzzy, Niles. 
Alex F. Bell, Detroit. 
Augustus C Baldwin, Pontiac. 
William S. Bancroft, Port Huron. 

OREGON. 

Lansing Stout, Washington, D. C. 
J. R l^merii'k, .'acKsonville. 
Isaac ■J Stevens, Washington, D. 0. 
Justus Steinberger, Washington, D. 0. 
R. B Metcalfe, Independence, Texas. 
A P. Dennison, The Dalles, Oregon. 

CALIFORNIA. 

J. Bidwell, Chico 

G. W. Patrick, .■^ooora. 
Lewis R Bradley. Stockton. 
Austin E Smith, San Francisco. 
John A. Dreibellis, Shasta. 
John S Dudley, Yreka 

John Hains, Los Angelos. 
D. S. Gregory, Monterey. 



18 



FIRST DAY. 

The opening Scenes— The Actors in the First Fight— John Cochrane 
— William A, Richardson— E. Barksdale— Walker of Alabama- 
dark oj Missouri — Butler of Massachusetts. 

Institute Haix, ) 
Cliarleston, S. C, April 23d. \ 

The hour appointed for the meeting of the Convention was at twelve, 
M. About eleven a deliglitful shower came up, which was quite wel- 
come, for the country has been suffering excessively from drouth, and 
the air was full of the hot dust of the streets. Orders were issued that 
the doors should not be opened until twelve o'clock. That hour has 
passed. The reporters are at their places, with piles of paper and 
bunches of pencils sharpened at both ends. A boy is waiting, ready 
to run to the telegraph office with dispatches. The delegates are pour- 
ing in and finding their places. About a dozen ladies occupy seats in 
the gallery, looking down with critical interest on the seething mass be- 
low. One-third of the space in the galleries is allotted to the ladies, 
and the remaining two-thirds to the outsiders, whose occupation is the 
manufacture of public opinion. Each delegation has a certain number 
of tickets for distribution among outsiders. They admit the holders in- 
to the gallery. The hall is far more spacious, better ventilated, and 
better arranged than that in which the Convention was held four years 
ago. The delegates are in groups all over the floor, talking and gestic- 
ulating as in all other conventions. The scene is very much like that 
in the Hall of the House of Representatives on the opening day of a 
session of Congress. The men who, by their position upon the Execu- 
tive committee appointed at Cincinnati, have to initiate proceedings, are 
Judge Smalley, of Vermont, Chairman, and C. L. Vallandigham, Sec- 
retary. Judge Smalley arises and calls the Convention to order. He 
states the business of the Convention with the utmost simplicity, omit- 
ting, as was agreeable to every body, the opportunity afforded of mak- 
ing an " able and eloquent" speech. He calls for the nomination of a 
President, pro tern. Mr. Flournoy of Arkansas was nominated by 
McCook of Ohio. There was no opposition. A committee was ap- 
pointed to escort him to the chair. He stated upon assuming the chair 
that he should exert himself to produce a speedy organization of that 
body. As an earnest of his intention to proceed to business, he sat 
down. Thus two opportunities to make speeches were irrevocably lost. 
Mr. Flournoy is a gentleman at least six feet two inches in height, and 
would weigh two hundred and thirty pounds. He is a splendid speci- 
men of physical manhood, but is not troubled with too much brain. 
The next thing in order is a written sermon in the form of a prayer. 
Some {)ortly, wliitc-headed, red-faced and gold-spectacled parson, from 
tlie South, being called upon for a prayer, proceeds to recite one which 
he has written down and pasted in the cover of a book for the occasion. 
There are not ten men in the hou.se who can hear what he says — and 
the fine, old, fat clergyman is pronounced an unmitigated bore. His 
solemn tone is worse than a stump speech would have been from the 



19 

rostrum. In case of the speech we might have had a few rahlilo-rous- 
ing sentences. As it is we have only a noise that is in the usuiil into- 
nation of prayer. A Virginia delegate arises and makes a n(jiiiina- 
tion of temporary secretary. 

It already appears that the hall is one in which it will be almost im- 
possible to hear what is said. The street in front of the hall is paved 
with bowlders (Cincinnati fashion), and the incessant clatter of the 
wheels is deafening. 

Mr. Fisher of Virginia tried to intrQduce a resolution, and to read 
before introducing that resolution. It was well understood that this 
was a resolution respecting the contested seats of New York. John 
Cochrane rose to a point of order. An Alabamian and a Mississippian 
pitched in. Fisher of Virginia appealed from the decision of the chair, 
who had ruled him out of order. The chair was sustain* d by a roaring 
aye. Another struggle took place as to which should be appointed 
first : the committee on Credentials or on Organization. The object of 
the ultra Southerners was to exclude Illinois and New York from the 
committee on Credentials and Organization. Richardson of Illinois, 
and Cochrane of New York, disclaimed any desire to participate in the 
committee on Credentials. They were not disposed, however, to give 
up their places in the committee on Organization. In the course of the 
struggle on this point, it became evident that the weight of the outsid- 
ers was for the Douglas delegation from Illinois, and the Cassidy, Rich- 
mond, Cagger, John Cochrane and Co. delegation from New York. 
At last the Convention came to a vote on a proposition that the conmiit- 
tees on Credentials and Organization should be simultaneously appoint- 
ed, the committeemen on Credentials from Illinois and New York not 
having authority to vote on the contested cases of their own States. 
The vote was taken by States. The proposition was affirmed, Virginia, 
Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and half of Cali- 
fornia, voting no. Mr. Fisher of Virginia protested in behalf of his 
State against the record, because the vote of New York, the delegates' 
seats being contested, h;id been taken. A resolution was offered by a 
Mississippian, that the New York and Illinois delegations be requested 
not to take part in the proceedings until the committee on Credentials 
had reported, and the contests had been settled. Payne of Ohio 
moved to lay this resolution on the table. A vote was taken by States 
on Payne's motion, and it prevailed by a heavy majority. This is a 
vote which indicates that the Fernando Wood and Cook delegations 
will have to remain outside the Convention. Richardson of Illinois 
pronounced the contest in his State, the most frivolous and contemptible 
ever heard of. The committees were appointed, and the Convention 
adjourned. The noise of wheels on the streets was so great, that saw- 
dust is to be heaped in front of the hall, to deaden the clamor. 

The ultra-South was guilty of a very foolish thing to-day. They made 
a bitter fight on a question, when there was no possible chance of doing 
any thing. The Convention was against them six to one, and yet they 
struggled with as much energy as if they expected to accomplish some- 
thing wonderful. In this way they lost prestige in the Convcntion. 
They threw themselves away without sufficient cause. If they continue 



20 

this style (if performance Douglas will be the nominee at last. I con- 
sider his cliMnces augmented by the proceedings to-day. The Ike Cook 
and Foniando Wood movement was in the preliminary stages utterly 
overthrown. Several of the scenes of the fight were highly entertain- 
ing. Mr. Fisher, of Virginia, was picked out to make the onslaught. 
He is a slight gentleman, with a thin face and high, bald head, small 
voice on a high key, and more zeal than discretion. He was about to 
bave a communication read, which every body knew was in reference to 
the New York contest, when a point of order was raised upon him by 
John Cochrane, of New York, who is the brains of the Cagger-Cassidy 
delegation, a man of high order of ability, an accomplished and forcible 
publi.; speaker, an old bachelor, and a man of the world. He is perfectly 
at home in a parliamentary. fight, and has a splendid voice, which in a 
noisy convention is a gift, when coupled with brass, of the highest value. 
Cochrane is a large but not a big man, full in the region of the vest, 
wears all his beard, which is coarse and sandy, trimmed short, and is 
bald — a blemish which he attempts to conceal by combing the hair that 
remains at the sides over the barren region. Ilis countenance is bold, 
but not amiable, and there are assurances in his complexion that he is 
what is known as a generous liver. In fact, he looks as though it would 
require a very strong cup of coffee to bring him into condition in the 
morning. He is a fair type of the fast man of intellect and culture, of 
the city of New York, whose ambition is to figure in politics. He is in 
Congress, as most of our readers know, and can command the ear of the 
House at any time. His great trouble is his Free Soil Keeord. He 
had a very violent attack of Free Soil opinions some years ago. He 
took Free Soilism like a distemper, and mounted the Buffalo platform. 
He is well over it now, however, with the exception of a single heresy : 
that of the Homestead law. He is for giving homesteads to the actual 
settlers upon the public land. He appeared to much advantage in the 
Convention to-day, and his sonorous voice, imposing manner and parlia- 
mentary tactics told with great force. 

llichardson of Illinois made one of his earnest-toned speeches, vin- 
dicating the Douglas delegation from Illinois. The Douglas men would 
not know what to do without him. From appearances, though there are 
several gentlemen ambitious to lead the Douglas forces in this war, 
Richard.s<jn will overbear them all. He is a large, coarse, powerful man, 
with a harsh but distinct voice that is heard above the clamor of a Con- 
vention, like a fire-bell over the clatter of engines in the street. He 
evidently felt that there was a critical time to-day, whether there was one 
or not, and was stalking up and down amono; the Douirlas delegations, 
his forehead furrowed with heavy wrinkles, his face glowing, his shirt- 
collar wilted down, his coat-cuffs rolled half-way up to his elbows, a palm- 
leaf fun in his hand which he used spasmodically; and as he moved 
about, he pulled the wires here and there, encouraging this man to pitch 
in and that one to subside. When he spoke he commanded universal 
attention. And I venture to guess that whenever his broad shoulders, 
.shaggy head and broad-axe nose is seen above the throng, and his voice 
is heard he will have attention, for he is the strong man of the North- 
west, and a representative man, too. I remember well how he bore 



21 

himself in the crisis of the Cincinnati Convention, when T»U(h:inan 
bavin"' a in;ijority vote, the dispatch from Doughis directed io Uich- 
ardson wr-s read, withdrawing liis name. Richardson's hclinvior was 
very manly then. And now, if Douglas should get a majority vote, 
Richardson will revive the recollection of tlie scene which I liave just 
mentioned, and demand the same consideration for Douglas that he 
showed Buchanan. It is likely that Buchanan would have hcen nomi- 
nated at any rate, but the Douglas dispatch and Richardson's speech 
make up a precedent that the Douglasites will be happy to put to the 
Convention. It is doubtful, however, whether they ever get that far. 
They will, however, if the South does not behave better than she did 
to-day. 

Tbe spokesman of Mississippi was E. Barksdale, editor of the Mis- . 
sissippian, and brother of the Congressman. He is not so large a man 
as his brother, V)ut has more brains. He is hardly up to the middle 
size, but is well put together, wiry, and active as a cat. He has not a 
good voice for a turbulent crowd, as it is rather sharp and wants iiody; 
but he is "game to the backbone," as they say. His face would in- 
dicate a man of unusual amiability, if it were not for the sarcasm in 
his smile, and a mischievous glimmer in his eye. He is, perhaps, tbe 
most fierce of the fire-eaters, but did not exhibit any very striking qual- 
ities as a tactician to-day. 

The most conspicuous of those who resisted the current of the day 
was Walker of Alabama, a tall, gentlemanly man, with long pale face 
and high forehead, whose health is feeble, and who so exhausted him- 
self in forcing the chair and the Convention to hear him, that he had 
not much to say when he had the ear of the Convention. He was de- 
termined not to be chocked down. At first he stood upon his chair, 
and the noise being so great that he could not be heard, he took a posi- 
tion in front of the seals on the vacant space between the Convention 
and the chair, and finally mounted the Secretary's desk near the plat- 
form upon which the chairman sits, and the Convention seeing that he 
would occupy the time until heard at every hazard, consented to bear 
him. 

Clark of Missouri pushed himself into the fight, and seemed to have 
a mission to perform, which the Convention could not appreciate. He 
would have some qualities of a strong speaker if his words had not a 
way of becoming bungled in his mouth, and coming out in confusion, 
and in a mutilated condition. I imagine Clark had a notion that he 
would be able to save the fire-eaters fiom the blunder they were com- 
mitting in making hopeless fight. But he was incapable of curbing 
them. Mr. Clark is the man who introduced the Helper book resolu- 
tion into the House in December last, and to whom Helper sent a copy 
of his affectionate production, bound in Russia. A little old dapper, 
comical fellow from Pennsylvania, tried several times to " put in his 
jaw " when it was evident he had nothing to say, and would be incom- 
petent to say any thing if he had occasion to do so. It may be im- 
proper to print profane language, but the desire which possesses me to 
give the spirit of this Convention, induces me to say that several heart- 
less wretches said to the little old dapper gentleman : " G — d 



22 



you, Fit down " — and that such questions were put to hina as, "What 
the hell do you want to talk for? " 

All persons who attended the Cincinnati Convention, will remember 
the liiild-lieaded and rampant Butler of Massachusetts. He is here. 
He springs to his feet with wonderful quickness, and rips out, "Mr. 
Chairman," in a tone like the sound of a file on a cross-cut saw, and 
with a <i'esture as if he proposed to stab the presiding officer, if he did 
not devote his attention instantly to " the gentleman from Massachu- 
setts." 

Butler was one of the Free Soil Democracy of Massachusetts, ^ho 
elected, by a cnalition with ultras, the Hon. Charles Sumner to the U, 
S. Senate. Pic, like John Cochrane, has repented. He is pro-slavery 
as possible, and the little, brown moustache under his sharp, crooked 
nose, would curl with wrath if he should be reminded of his record. 
He admits that he had a Free-soil attack — a sort of political measels — 
but considers himself all the better for having recovered from it. 

Yancey of Alabama, the leader of the ultras, was evidently aware 
that his friends were doing a foolish thing to-day. He took no part in 
the squabble, but it is understood that he has a vast amount of ammuni- 
tion for a bombardment of the Douglas castle, ready for use when the 
decks are cleared for action, and the occasion when it will be worth 
while to make a fight, shall have arrived. 

The first vote taken by States was on a proposition submitted by Mr. 
Cessna of Pennsylvania, looking to the simultaneous appointment of 
the committees on Credentials and Organization, and providing that 
" in determining the controversy in regard to the disputed seats from 
the State of Illinois, the member of the committee on Credentials from 
that State shall not be permitted to vote thereon. And in determining 
the controversy from the State of New York, the member of the com- 
mittee from that State shall not be permitted to vote thereon." 

The vote stood : 



Stales. Yem. 

Maiiif 8 

New Hampshire 5 

Vermont ,5 

MassacliusL'tts 13 

Rhodu Island 4 

Couaeciicut G 

New Jersey 7 

Pennsylvania 27 

Delaware 3 

iluryland 8 

New Vurk 35 

Virj^iiiia 

Nortli Carolina 10 

South Carolina 8 

Georiiia 10 

Alulianja 

Louisiana 

Missouri 9 



Nays. Stales. Yeas. JVays. 

Indiana 13 

llluiois 11 

Ohio 23 

Mississippi 7 

Texas 4 

Florida 3 

Tennessee 12 

Kentucky 12 

Wisconsin 5 

Iowa 4 

Michigan 6 

15 Arkansas 4 

Calllornia 2 2 

Oregon 3 

Minnesota 4 

y . _ 

25C 47 





And thus extreme Soutlicrnism (Cotton Stateism) first placed itself 
on the record of the Convention. 



23 

The committees appointed were as follows : 

Committee on Credentials. — C. D. Jameson, Maine ; A. P. ITujrhee, 
New Hampshire; Stephen Thomas, Vermont; Oliver Stephens, Massa- 
chusetts ; George H. Brown, Rhode Island ; James Gallagher, Coiinec- 
ticut ; Delos De Wolfe, New York ; A. K. Speer, New Jersey ; II. M. 
North, Pennsylvania; Wm. G. Whiteley, Delaware; W. S. Gittings, 
Maryland; E. W. Hubbard, Virginia; II. R. Bridges, North Caroli- 
na; B. F. Perry, South Carolina; J. Hartridge, Georgia; W. M. 
Brooks, Alabama; W. S. Barry, Mississippi; F. II. Hatch, Louisiana; 
James B. Stedman, Ohio ; G. T. Wood, Kentucky ; W. H. Carroll, 
Tennessee; S. A. Hall, Indiana; W. J. Allen, Illinois; John M. 
Krura, Missouri; Van H. Manning, Arkansas; Benjamin Follett, 
Michigan ; C. E. Dyke, Florida ; E. Grier, Texas ; D. O. Finch, Iowa; 
P. H. Smith, Wisconsin ; John S. Dudley, California ; H. H. Sibley, 
Minnesota ; Lansing Stout, Oregon. 

Committee on Organization. — W. H. Burrill, Maine ; R. S. Web- 
ster, New Hampshire ; H. E. Stoughton, Vermont; C. W. Chapin, 
Massachusetts ; John N. Francis, Rhode Island ; A. C. Lippett, Con- 
necticut; S. F. Fairchild, New York; Robert Hamilton, New Jersey; 
J. Cessna, Pennsylvania; J. B. Pennington, Delaware; John R. Em- 
ory, Maryland; John Brannon, Virginia; W. A. Mole, North Caroli- 
na; B. H. Wilson, South Carolina ; J. H. Lumpkin, Georgia ; A. B. 
Meek, Alabama; Charles Clark, Mississippi; T. J. Eppes, Florida ; 
Emile LaSere, Louisiana; F. R. Lubbock, Texas ; John J. Stirman, 
Arkansas; S. D. Churchill, Missouri; T. M. Jones, Tennessee; C. 
Cecil, Kentucky; George W. Houk, Ohio; S. K. Wolf, Indiana; A. 
M. Harrington, Illinois; A. C. Baldwin, Michigan; E. S. Bragg, 
Wisconsin ; E. H. Thayer, Iowa ; J. T. Rosser, Minnesota ; G. W. 
Patrick, California ; John K. Lamerick, Oregon. 



SECOND DAY 



MORNING SESSION. 

Institute Hall, April 24th. 
There is an impression prevalent this morning that the Convention is 
destined to explode in a grand row. The best informed and most dis- 
passionate men are unable to see how such a termination of this party 
congress can be avoided. The Southern delegates last night, in caucus 
assembled, resolved to stand by the Jeff. Davis resolutions. There is 
tumult and war in prospect. The first thing in order after calling the 
Convention to order, was the report of the committee on Permanent 
Organization, made by Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania, its chairman, as 
follows : 



24 



FOR PnEMIT)Ji:KT : 

Hon. CALEB CUSIIING, of Mass. 



FOlt VICE-PRBSIDENTa AND SECRETARIES 

Maii(e. 

Vice-President— Thomas D. Robinson 
Secretary— C. Record. 

New Hampshire. 
Vice-President— Daniel Marcy. 
Secretary— George A. Bingham, 

Vermont. 

Vice-President— Jasper Rand. 
Secretary— P. W. Hyde. 

MassachuKdls. 
Vice-President— Isaac Davis. 
Secretary— B. F. Watson. 

Rhode Island. 

Vice-President-Gideon Bradford, 
becrotary— Amasa Sprague. 

Connecticut. 

Vice-Presidont-Samuel Arnold. 
Secretary— M. R. West. 

New Jersey. 
Vice-President— Wm. Wright 
Secretary— John C. Ratterty. 

New York. 
Vice-Pr(!sidcnt— Erastus Corning 
becretury— Edward Cooper. 

Pennsylvania. 

Vice-President-Thomas Cunningham. 
Secretary- Franklin Vansaut. 

Delaware. 
Vice-President— W. II. Ross. 
Secretary— John H. Buley. 

Maryland, 
Vice-President- W. P. Bowie 
Secretary-E. L. F. Hardca.stle. 

Virgiina. 
Vice-President -0. R. Furiston. 
Secretary— Robert II. Glass. 

North Carolina. 
Vice-President- Bedford Brown 
Secretary— L. W. Humphrey. 

^outh Carolina. 
Vice-Prosident-B. H Broun 
•Secretary— Franklin GaiUard. 
Georgia. 

Vice-President— James Thomas 
S.cretary- J. J. Dimond. 

Alabama. 

Vice-President R. G. ScotU 
Sccretary-N. H. R. Dawnon. 



Vice-President— James Drane. 
Secretary— W. H. H. Tyson. 

Louisiana. 
Vice-President— R. Taylor. 
Secretary— Charles Jones. 
Ohio. 

Vice-President- David Todd. 
Secretary— W. M. Stark. 

Kentucky. 
Vice-President— B. Spalding. 
Secretary— Robet McKee. 

Tennessee. 
Vice-President— J. 0. C. Atkins. 
Secretary— John R. Howard. 

Indiana. 
Vice-President— Isaac C. Elston. 
Secretary— Lafayette Devlin. 

Illinois. 
Vice-President— Z. Casey. 
Secretary— R. E. Goodell, 

Arkansas. 
Vice-President— Francis A. Terry 
Secretary— F. W. Hoadle^. 

Michigan. 
Vice-President— H. H. Riley. 
Secretary— John G. Parkhurst. 

Florida. 
Vice-President— B. F. Wardlaw. 
Secretary— C. E. Dyke. 

Texas. 
Vice-President— H. R. Runnels. 
Secretary— Thomas P. Ochiltree. 
Missouri. 

Vice-President— Abraham Hunter. 
Secretary— J. T. Mense. 

Iowa. 
Vice-President— T. W. Claggett 
Secretary— J. W. Bosler. 

Wisconsin. 

Vice-President— Frederick W. Horn 
Secretary— A. F. Pratt. 

California. 
Vice-President-J. A. Dreibelbis. 
Secretary — John S. Dudley. 

Minnesota. 
Vice-President— W. W. Phelps. 
Secretary— G. T. Rosser. 

Oregon. 
Vice-President— A. P. Denison, 
Secretary— R. p. Metcalf. 



25 

The committee further rccommentlcd that the rules and regulations 
adopted by the National Democratic Conventions of 1852 and 1S5G be 
adopted by this Convention for its government, with this additional 
rule: 

"That in any State which has not provided or directed by its State 
Con.vention how its vote may be given, the Convention will recognize 
the right of each delegate to oast his individual vote." 

This was a Douglns dodge, to allow minorities in Pennsylvania and 
other States, in which the anti-Douglas men were in the majority, to 
vote for the Little Giant. The war at once raged along the whole line. 

Richardson of Illinois defended the report of the commit tee, as 
foll(»ws: 

Mr. Richardson, of Illinois. "If I propose to go into an inquiry of 
what was done by the committee, it might be proper to say that the 
proposition now submitted was acted upon in a fuller meeting, as I am 
told, than that of last night, and adopted unanimously. I do not pro- 
pose to discuss with the gentleman from Mississippi the subject as to 
the action of the committee. I propose to place it upon the basis of its 
own merits. Where a State Ccmvention has met and instructed its 
delegation as a unit, and they have accepted the condition, they are 
bound by it. Wherever they give no such instruction, wherever they 
have refused in State deltgation to give such instruction, it is proper to 
place the right of the deUgate upon the broad and distinct ground of 
right. But where they have entered into an organization, and are 
pledged, they are not at liberty to overrun the expressed wishes and 
will of their constituents. But I propose to place the question of indi- 
viduality upon the broad ground of right, and right alone. [Applause.] 
I say upon that ground the report of the committee ought to be 
adopted." 

Texas, Mississippi, Illinois and Pennsylvania were heard on this 
subject. Randall of Pennsylvania made a speech, in which he said 
he would not go for any candidate who was not acceptable to a majority 
of the South. He also hinted that Douglas was the weakest man 
whose name was before the Convention. Richardson, of Illinois, said 
it might be interesting to inquire how long the gentleman had been a 
member of the Democratic party. The fight was understood to be a 
fair and square one between the Douglas and anti-Douglasites. It was 
thrust into the Convention before its premanent organization, because 
Flournoy, the chairman, was favorable to the Douglasites. The chair, 
however, blundered, and twisted, and twisted, and got his precedents 
tied into several hard knots. Richardson held the floor, though about 
twenty points of order were raised upon him. He was, however, 
allowed to proceed. He made a speech which was not called for, and 
which was injurious to the Douglas faction. He referred, in the midst 
of his heat, to Mr. Randall as one of the recruits of yesterday, and to 
himself as an old soldier in the cause. He wanted the raw recruits to 
tarry awhile at -Jericho, until their beards were grown, before they 
instructed him, an old soldier. Mr. Randall was highly excited, and 
oiFered Richardson his card, indicating that he would hold him person- 
ally responsible. At this demonstration there was hissing about the 



26 

hall. Tlift war proceerled. Wright, of Pennsylvania, made a long 
speech. The chair finally decided that the question on the adoption of 
the report was divisible, and put the question as to the adoption of so 
much of (he report as related to the organization exclusively. That 
part of the report was then adopted, and the permanent ofScers installed. 
This decision of the chair was really a sort of blunder. Mr. Floufnoy 
being anxious to get out of the chair, allowed himself to defeat the 
purposes of his friends. 

Before leaving the chair Mr. Flournoy uncorked a speech — the me- 
morable passages of which were references to "eternal icebergs and 
everlasting frosts " — and the following gigantic effort on the Mississippi: 

"The great father of waters, the river which commences at its source in 
the mountains, in springs and streams so small, that a hunter would 
scarcely widen his steps to cross them. But, running on, it mingles 
with other streams; yet so shallow that the mother duck can scarcely 
swim her follow young in its waters. Then rolling onward, it mingles 
with yet other streams, until, at last, it forms the great Mississippi 
River — so deep and so vast that all the navies of the world could ride 
in safety upon its waters." 

Mr. Flournoy introduced Mr. Gushing, who was received with warm 
applause, though the Douglas men dislike him intensely. They would 
not needlessly offend him, as they have to do the best they can with 
hira. While they may have the bulk of the Convention, they have not 
a majority of the States, and were consequently defeated in committee. 

The interest to hear the speech of Mr. Gushing was intense. Out- 
siders had been admitted until all the galleries and spaces not covered 
by chairs on the floor were densely filled. When Mr. Gushing was 
introduced he seemed for the moment slightly nervous, and in a heat. 
He was dressed in a short, brown, sack coat, grey pants, and black satin 
vest. Considering the amount of intellectual labor he has performed, 
he seems in a remarkably fine state of preservation. He is partially 
bald, but not at all gray. Such hair as he possesses has the gloss of youth 
and bear's grease. He uses a plain eye-glass, suspended about his 
neck by a black ribbon. His hands are brown as a laborer's. He evi- 
dently preserves himself by out-door exercise. His head is round and 
lofty; the forehead high and full; nose straight and sharp; lips thin 
and expressive of intellectual consciou^sness and pluck, and his face 
shows very few wrinkles. His voice is clear, musical, and powerful; 
every syllable of his speech was heard in every part of the house. The 
Convention is fortunate in having a presiding oflBcer so accomplished. 

The following is Mr. Gushing's speech, as oflBcially reported : 

" Gentlemen of the Convention : I respectfully tender to you the most 
earnest expression of profound gratitude for the honor which you have 
this day done me in appointing me to preside over your deliberations. 
It is, however, a responsible duty imposed, much more than a high honor 
conferred. In the discharge of that duty, in the direction of business 
and of debate, in the preservation of order, it shall be'my constant en- 
deavor faithfully and impartially to officiate here as your minister, and 
not hutnl)ly to reflect your will. In a great deliberative assembly like 
this, it is not the presiding oflSccr in whom the strength resides. It is 



27 

not his strength, but yours — your intelligence, your sense of orrler, your 
instinct of self-respect. I rely, gentlemen, conBdently upon you, not 
upon myself, for the prompt and parliamentary dispatch of the business 
of this Convention. 

" Gentlemen, you have come here from the green hills of the Eastern 
States — from the rich States of the imperial centre — from the sun-light- 
ed plains of the South — from the fertile States of the mighty basin of 
the Mississippi — from the golden shores of the distant Oregon and Cal- 
ifornia — [loud cheers] — you have come hither in the exercise of the 
highest functions of a free people, to participate, to aid in the selection 
of the future rulers of the Republic. You do this as the representa- 
tives of the Democratic party — of that great party of the Union, whose 
proud mission it has been, whose proud mission it is, to maintain the 
public liberties — to reconcile popular freedom with constituted order — 
to maintain the sacred, reserved rights of the sovereign States — [loud 
and long-continued applause] — to stand, in a word, the perpetual sen- 
tinels on the outposts of the Constitution. [Cries of " that's the talk," 
and lo«d cheers.] Ours, gentlemen, is the motto inscribed en that 
scrool in the hands of the monumental statute of the great statesman of 
South Carolina, " Truth, Justice, and the Constitution." [Loud cheers.] 
Opposed to us are those who labor to overthrow the Constitution, under 
the false and insidious pretense of supporting it ; those who are aiming 
to produce in this country a permanent sectional conspiracy — a traitor- 
ous sectional conspiracy of one half the States of the Union against the 
other half; those who, impelled by the stupid and half insane spirit of 
faction and fanaticism, would hurry our land on to revolution and to 
civil war; those, the branded enemies of the Constitution, it is the part 
— the high and noble part of the Democratic party of the Union to with- 
stand ; to strike down and to conquer ! Aye ! that is our part, and we 
will do it. In the name of our dear country, with the help of God, we 
will do it. [Loud cheers.] Aye, we will do it, for, gentlemen, we will 
not distrust ouiselves ; we will not despair of the genius of our coiintry ; 
we will continue to repose with undoubting faith ift the good Providence 
of Almighty God. [Loud applau.'^e.] 

" Gentlemen, I will not longer detain you from the important business 
of the Convention. Allow me a few moments for the purpose of com- 
pleting the arrangements with the elected oflBcers of the Convention, and 
then the chair will call upon you for such motions and propositions as 
may. be in order before the Convention." [Applause.] _ 

After the speech, some time was occupied in arranging the duties 
of the various clerks, so as to proceed with system and order, to busi- 
ness. Gushing had the good sense, while this was going on, to give 
the Convention a recess. 

The business first in order was the test struggle on the proposed 
amendment of the rules which had been incorporated into the report of 
the committee on Permanent Organization, but which had been gotten 
rid of for a time by the division of the question. 

A motion was made to strike out from the report of the committee on 
Organization the original rule, and the vote was called by States, re- 
sultino; as follows : 



Stntes. Teas. Nays. States. Yeas. Nay». 

Maine 8 Mississippi 7 

New Hampshire 5 T«as 4 

Vermont 5 Arkansas 4 3^ 

Massachnsctts 5i Missouri 2 7 

Rhode Island 4 Tennessee 12 

Conneetieut G Kentucky (J 12 

New York » 35 Ohio 23 

New Jersey 7 Indiana 13 

Pennsylyania ...14 lOJ Illinois 11 

Deh\wai"e \\ U Michigan 6 

Maryland 3^ 4^ Wisconsin 5 

Virjrinia 15 Iowa 4 

North Carolina 7 3 Minnesota 4 

South Carolina 8 Calii'oruia 25 1^ 

Georgia 10 Oregon 3 O" 

Florida (i 

Alabama 9 lOl 198 

Louisiana 6 

This vote is tolerably near a correct representation of the strength of 
Mr. Douglas, in the last analysis of the Convention, hy the final strug- 
gle. The nays, those opposed to striking out the interpolation, are not 
all for Douglas now, hy any means. Many of them aie against him, so 
far as to have some other first choice. But they may, under the pres- 
sure that will come, be brought to vote for him. And we may add to 
them the vote of South Carolina. It is too soon yet for the delegation 
from that State to show its hand. To avoid scandal, it voted with the 
South, but it is of the Softs of South Carolina. 

The- conclusions which I draw from this vote are very sturdily di&- 
puted here by the anti-Douglas men. And the New Yorkers and Ken- 
tuckians say they meant no such thing as I say. The first choice of 
Kentucky is Mr. Guthrie, and her second, Breckenridge, — but a ma- 
jority of her delegates would acquiesce in the nomination of Douglas, 
and might, under pretext of saving the nation, vote for him in an ex- 
tremity, to give him a two-thirds vote. And John Cochrane will lead 
the New Yorkers into the Douglas camp, the moment he can do so with 
the greatest eclat, and make sure of giving him the nomination. Then 
John will expect the grateful recognition of Mr. Douglas if he should 
become President. Douglas might, of course, afford to give the Eng- 
lish mission for the vote of New York in this Convention, and enough 
besides of Federal fatness to buy thirty politicians of easy virtue. 

Poor Lafe Develin of Indiana gave one shriek for freedom to-day. 
He is hed^red about by his colleagues, and iron-bound by the instruc- 
tions of the State Convention of Indiana, that her delegation should 
vote there as an unit. Lafe has insisted that he would not be bound by 
State instructions, but I believe that in an "unguarded moment" he 
voted in the Indiana Convention for the unity of the Charleston dele- 
gation. Lafe's zeal cooled, when Buchanan appointed the grandfather 
of the En^^lish bill U. S. Marshal of Imiiana. But to day he could 
not stand it, and shrieked loudly that he was authorized to cast two 
votes from Indiana. But he was put down. He fell in his tracks, as 
it were, a d Freedom shrieked when Lafayette Develin fell. A portion 
of the Tennessee delegation squirmed at the vote thrown aa above. 



V 



■^ 



29 

Nearly lia1f the delegation were determined to vote tlie otlior way, hut 
the itiajorify ruled. 

There are a large numhcr of gentlemen here from Kentucky, working 
for John 0. Breckenridge. Among them are Senator Powell, Gov. 
Magolhn, Burnet (Congressman), Pre.'-ton, Minister to Spair), and others 
of diistinction. But the Kentucky delegation stands firm for old Iron- 
sides, that is to say, James Guthrie. 

The following committee was reported to-day : 

Committee on Resolutions and Platform — Maine, A. IM. Poherts ; 
New Hampshire, Wm. Beven ; Vermont, E. M. Brown ; Massachu- 
setts. B. F. Butler; Rhode Island, C S. Bradley; Connecticut, A. 
G. Hazard ; New York, Ed. Cogswell ; New Jersey, lienj William- 
son ; Pennsylvania, A. B. Wriglit ; Delaware, J. A. Bayard ; Mary- 
land, B. S. Johnson; Virginia, J. Barbour; North Carolina, W. VV. 
Avery; South Carolina, J. S. Preston; Georgia, J. Wingfield ; Flor- 
ida, J. B. Owens; Alabama, John Erwin ; Louisiana, H. A. Hunter ; 
Mississippi. E. Barksdale ; Texas, F. S. Stockdale ; Arkansas, N. B. 

Burrow; Missouri, ; Tennessee, Sam. Milligan ; Kentucky, R. 

K. Williams; -Ohio, H. B. Payne; Indiana, P. C Dunning; Illinois, 
O. B. Ficklin; Michigan, G. V. N. Lothrop; Wisconsin, A S. Pal- 
mer; Iowa, B. M.Samuels; Minnesota, J. M. Cavanaugh; California, 
Austin E. Smith ; Oregon, James J. Stevens. 

COMMENTARY ON SECOND DAy's PROCEEDINGS. 

Charleston, S. C, April 24th (at night). 

The advantages gained by the Douglas men in the Convention to- 
day were important, and will, in my judgment, certainly resulc in Mr. 
Douglas receiving a majority of the votes in the Convention. Then 
the struggle to give him two-thirds will be tremendous, and in spite of 
the bitter opposition of the ultra South, and of the Administration, 
President, Cabinet, and Senators, he may get two-thirds, and it is my 
present impression that he will. The friends of Douglas have not only 
the strcmgest compact body of delegates, but have thus far displayed 
the best tactics. The South has been not only divided in counsel but 
deficient in judgment. The current has run steadily for Douglas from 
the first. It was apparent several days ago, that the outside pressure 
was for him. Every Southern man of any force, who is for Douglas, 
though in a small minority at hoitie, and repudiated by the Conventions, 
has been summoned here to manufacture public opinion. This has 
, been done calculatingly and systematically, and has its effect. There 
are men here from every Southern State, working directly or indirectly 
for Douglas. The first gain of the Dougla-sites wasin the action of 
Judge Smalley, in admitting the Cagger, Cassidy, Richmond, and Coch- 
rane New York delegation, and the Douglas Illinois delegation to seats, 
and excluding Fernando Wood, Ike Cook, and their foiloweis. 

The next gain was in the confirmation of this action of the Execu- 
tive committee, by the Convention yesterday, which was not so import- 
ant in itself, us in the weakness of the ultra South exposed I'V it. Ttie 
great gain to-day was in passing a rule allowing single delegates in 



30 

States not instructed to vote as an unit, to vote as they please. This 
will a(Ul about twenty-five votes to the Douglas strength — and will give 
the current which is running toward his nomination greater impetuosity 
and more formidable power. There is a great deal in this current, in 
a Convention in which, as m this, the mere politicians largely predomi- 
nate. There are many eager to make themselves conspicuous in the 
eyes of the man upon whom they look as the next President. He has 
offices within his gift, foreign missions — and all that. You know how 
it is — you know how it was in the Cincinnati Convention. 

There are several Southern States whose delegations are " unsound." 
Even the Alabama delegation contains two Douglas men. They have 
to vote with the rest, but their presence is influential. The ultras of 
South Carolina, standing upon their dignity, did not go into the Con- 
vention for the nomination of delegates to the National Convention. 
Their virtue was superior to the blandishments of a National caucus. 
The consequence is, Mr. Orr, whose position I detailed you in another 
letter, comes here with the vote of the State in his hand — and I am 
now convinced that Douglas can get it whenever it would give him the 
nominatiim. The New Yorkers, of both factions — and Fernando Wood 
has no chance — are purchasable. Some of the delegates are govern- 
ment officers, but the last sands of this administration are running out, 
and its di.spleasure is no longer feared. The eyes of Federal gold wor- 
shipers are turned to the coming man, and when Douglas can be nom- 
inated by the vote of New York, he will get it. And so of other 
States. But there will be a rupture. There is a portion of the South, 
as represented here, that cannot and will not submit to Douglas on a 
platform that tolerates the notion of " Popular Sovereignty." A great 
battle is to be fought on the platform. It is, I believe, as I write, being 
fought in the conmiittee on Resolutions. There are radical and inex- 
tinguishable feuds in the Democratic party, and they must come out 
here and now. 



THIRD DAY 



Institute Hall, I 
Charledon, S. C, April 25tli. J 

There was much noise and confusion about town last night. The 
Southern men kept up their spirits by aid of a band of music, and 
speeches by the leaders of the iire-eaters. The speakers were very se- 
vere on the " bobtailed poify from Illinois. Fernando Wood was sere- 
naded, and made an able and adroit response, which was entirely ac- 
ceptable to the South. He was looking forward to an explosion of the 
(Jonvention, and his nomination as Vice-President by the Southern lead- 
ers. It is the general impression this morning, as 1 have just informed 
you by telegraphic dispatch, that there will be an explosion of the Con- 
vention — ih.it it is indeed inevitable, and that the Convention is only 
held togi'tlirr now by endeavors of the various factions, which are irre- 
concilably hostile, to make a record suitable for their ulterior purposes. 



31 

The hall is very mncli crowded. Those who have tickets, send them 
out after they get in, and others come in. In this way every body who 
understands the trick, and nearly every body does, gets in. So there 
is an infernal crowd. Fortunately the atmosphere is much cooler than 
heretofore. The ladies have become anxious on the subject of the Con- 
vention. Their gallery is as full as possible, and still crowds of them 
are besieging the stairways. 

The Convention was opened with prayer, which is presumed to have 
been very solemn and fervent, but nobody heard it. 

The first thing in order was to inquire whether there was any com- 
mittee ready to report. There being none, the unfinished business of 
yesterday was taken up. This was in relation to the adoption of a rule 
that, in debate, no delegate should speak more than once, nor more 
than fifteen minutes. 

Proceedings were interrupted by a gallant gentleman from Missouri, 
who proposed to relieve the ladies wh(^ere " hanging on the stair- 
ways." The Convention invited the lacnes to come in and take seats 
in the chairs under the galleries. 

The immoderately anxious Douglas men wanted the fifteen minute 
rule adopted. They were too anxious to put down the screws, however, 
and were defeated. The vote was 121 for the fifteen minute rule, and 
182 against. Now, according to the rules adopted — being those of the 
House of Representatives — the hour rule is in force. 

The vote as taken by States stdnds as follows — not a test for or 
against Douglas — but a test of prudence : 

States. Yeas. Nays. States. Yeas. Nays. 

Maine S Mississippi 7 

New Hampshire 5 Texas. 4 

Vermont 5 Arkansas 4 

Massachusetts 13 Missouri 9 

Rhode Island 4 Tennessee 12 

Coauecticut 1 5 Kentucky 11 1 

New York 35 Ohio 23 

New .Jersey 7 Indiana 13 

Pennsylvania 27 Illinois 11 

Delaware 3 Michigan C 

Maryland 8 Wisconsin 5 

Virginia 15 Iowa 4 

North Carolina 10 Minnesota 4 

South Carolina S Culii'ornia 4 

Georoia, 10 Oregon 3 

Florida 3 

Alabama 9 121 182 

Louisiana 6 

It is a general remark that the Convention has narrowly escaped doing 
a very foolish thing. It would have been unsafe to have choked down de- 
bate into fifteen minute speeches. It would not do to bottle up wrath 
so intense. It is now hoped that the South's fire will pale in long 
speeches, and become ineffectual in the course of their hour harangues. 
A debate followed, on the propriety of gag laws. It was said, on be- 
half of the South, that eloquence must be resorted to. The State of 
Alabama must not be gagged. Her eloquence must be allowed to flow. 
Lowry of Indiana thought it a very equivd^fr-compliment to the del- 



32 

egates, to suppose that much talk would move any of them from their 
convictions. As fur eloquence, on such occasions, it was too prone to 
degenerate into invective. 

It w;is contended hy a delegate from Delaware, that the hour rule, 
under the operation of the previous question, would be the most horri- 
ble of gags. After a free interchange of views, the fifteen minute rule 
was adopted, with this proviso, that the rule should not be applied in 
discussions on the platform. The speakers will each be allowed an hour 
to ventilate the Territorial question. This is about the best thing that 
could be done. A conversati(jn sprung up between Walker of Mis- 
souri, and Cochrane, pending a motion to open the galleries to the pub- 
lie. W;dker informed the ladies that Mr. (Cochrane was a bachelor. 
The infiirmution was received with immenj^e approbation. Cochrane 
acknowledged his desperate condition, and expres>ed his willingness to 
enter into the marriage relation. Walker said that it was apparent that 
the reason why Cochrane l^d not married was becaus^e he could not. 
He moved to lay the New Yoik bachelor on the table. The Chair tol- 
erated this nonsense for some time, but at last interposed, and summarily 
shut down upon it. Mr. Vallandigham made an explanation of the 
action of the Executive committee reurardino; the is-ue of tickets, which 
was satisfactory. 'Bhe Convention then refused to throw open the doors 
to the miscellaneous public. 

There was now no business before the Convention, the committee on 
Credentiali^ot being able to report — the Convention adjourned to four 
o'clock, when the New York fight will come off. It will be warm, and 
loud and long. A considerable majority of the Convention will be ia 
favor of excluding the Fernando Wood and Ike Cook delegations. 

The Convention is most fortunate in having so excellent a prei>iding 
officer as Caleb Cushing. Mr. Cushing's head is wonderfully clear, 
and his knowledge of parliamentuary law — and the rules of the House 
of Reprcffcntatives — perfect. All his staten.ents of the questions that 
are beiore the hiiu?e, are distinct and downright, and no one thinks, as 
yet, of taking an appeal from his decisions. This will help the Con- 
vention materiully in its great tribulation. 

More ii!t(jnse interest than has' yet prevailed is felt in the forthcoming 
New York fight. This wdl cont-ume the afternoon session, and to-mor- 
row we will have the platform fight, and I do not see how it will be 
possible to prevent a disruption of the Convention. The South makes 
it a point of honor that the platform shall not be one capable of*a double 
construction, but shall be one which cannot be fairly interpreted to mean 
any thing short of " sound Southern doctrine," that is, the protection of 
slave property in the Territories, and the unequivocal repudiation of the 
Douglas doctrine of squatter, or popular sovereignty. Tht; Norf-hern 
delegates don't care much about the honor of the matter. It is of the 
most grave consequence to lln'iii, involving, as I have before said, for 
them, ihe is.>ues of life and deah. Their [Kilitical existence depends 
ab.soltely upon tluir ability to construe the platform adopted here to 
mean " popular sovereignty," in other words, upon such a form of words 
in the platform, as will allow them to declare, in the North, that the 
officially expressed Dcmociatic doctrine is that the people of the Terri- 



as 

tories may, while in their territorial condition, abolish or exclude slavery. 
They cannot, dare not yield the opportunity fur pressing this pretext. 
The South will not allow it. Here, then, is the " nrepressihle conflict" 
— a C(niti:ct between enduring forces. You may witli propriety use, re- 
specting it, language as strong as that of Mr. Seward in liis Rochester 
speech. The Douglas Democracy, you know, only want the pretext to 
use before the people. They are willing to acquiesce in the decision of 
the Supreme Court, knowing beforehand that the decision would be 
against them. The South stands upon what they believe to be princi- 
ple, and they cannot in honor, as they say, allow the Nortliern branch 
of the party to yield so far to the Abohtion pressure, as to take relume 
from it under a false and fraudulent {)retense. 

The preponderant faction of the Northern Democracy say the South- 
ern doctrine of protection of slave property in the Territories is " inad- 
missible " — that is the word — and 1 believe they have, when the pinch 
comes, a miijority of the Convention. The^outh says a platform with 
two faces is no longer tolerable. And the South has in this position a 
majority of the States. There is a majority in the committee on Plat- 
form in favor of amending the Cincinnati Platform so as to repudiate 
its Northern interpretation. The States of Pennsylvania, Oregon and 
California, as hei*e represented, are with the South in this matter. The 
inevitable consequence is, there will be two reports from the committee 
on Platform. The majority report, favored by a minority of the Con- 
vention — and the minority report, favored by the majority. *Upon the 
adoption of the Cincinnati Platform, with its " popular soverei"-nty 
heresy" understood to be attached, and constituting its vitality, the 
South must withdraw. At least half a dozen States will certainly go, 
and how many more, and how many fragments of others, it is impossi- 
ble to say. Then the majority Convention will nominate Douglas. The 
South will be sustained in its secession by the whole power of the Ad- 
ministration, and by the Southern Senators, who would be murdered, 
politically, by the nomination of Douglas in a full Convention, upon a 
platform on wbich it would be possible for him to stand. 

When it was determined yesterday, as it was by an overwhelming 
vote, to adopt a platform before nominating a candidate, it appeared that 
there was no hope remaining of the unity of the Convention. Both 
factions voted to have the platform first. The only possible way to keep 
the Convention together from the start, was for the Douglas men to 
withdraw his name ; and then the South, with another man, would have 
been willing to mitigate the asperities of the slave code platform. The 
disruption of this Convention insures the nomination of S^wird at 
Chicago — but not his election. Southern secession here, would give 
Douglas strength in some of the Northern States. There would be 
no possibility of his election, however, for he would certainly lose sev- 
eral Southern States. He might, and the chances are that he would, 
carry Northern States enough to defeat the election of Seward. Thus 
the election would be thrown into Congress — md eventually into the 
Senate. This is beyond question the game of the Southern men, and 
it looks as if the chances were that it would win. Tliese are not, only 
my opinions and speculations here to-day, but they are such as are cur- 
3 



,. 34 

rent among those wh© are candid witb themselves and frank in giving 
expression to their views. 

AFTERNOON SESSION. 

After some immaterial controversy, 

Judge Krura of Missouri, chairman of the committee on Creden- 
tials, presented the following report and resolutions, upon which the 
committee bad agreed, and he claimed for it the attention of the Con- 
vention : 

MAJORITY REPORT. 

To the National Democratic Conventiwi : 

Mu. Presiuent : — Your committee on Credentials, immediately after their aj)- 
pointment, entered upon the discharge of the duties assigned them, and carefully 
examined the credentials of the several delegates to this Convention. 

Your committee tind that ^11 the States of the Union, except the States of 
Massachusetts. Maryland, Illinois and New York are represented in this Conven- 
tion by delegates duly elected in the several States by State or District organi- 
zations of the Democratic party, and your committee append to this report, as 
a part thereof, full lists of the delegates so selected. 

Your committee further report that there were contesting claimants to the 
seats held by the delegations in the following cases, viz : 

In the Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts. 

In the Fourth Congressional District of Maryland. 

In the State of Illinois, and — 

In the S^te of New York. 

The contestants in these several cases had a full and impartial hearing before 
your committee, and, after a full consideration of their respective claims, your 
committee are of opinion that the sitting delegates in these Districts and States 
are justly entitled to their respective seats. 

All of which is respectfully submitted, 

JOHN M. KRUM, Chairman. 

Resolved, That the sitting delegates to this Convention from the State of Illi- 
nois, of whom Col. W. A. Richardson is chairman, ar^ entitled to their respec- 
tive seats. 

Resolved, That Cornelius Doherty and K. S. Chappec, delegates representing 
the Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts, are entitled to their respec- 
tive seals. • 

Resolved, That F. M. Landham and Robert J. Brent, delegates representing 
the Fourth Congressional District of Maryland, are entitled (to their respective 
scats. 

Resolved, That the delegates to this Conventioa»from the State of New York, 
of which Dean Richmond is chairman, are entitled as ^ch to seats therein. 

Adopted. 

Mr. J3rooks, of Alabama, presented the following Minority Report 
and llesolutions : 

MINORITY REPORT. 

To the Honorable President of the Naiional Demmratic Convention : 

The undersigned, members of the committee on Credentials, under an impe- 
rious sense of duty, are constikined to dissent from the report of the majority of 
this committee, and respectfully recommend that the two delegations from the 
State of New York be authorized to select each thirtv-tive delegates, and that 
the Hovt-nty Delegates thus selected be admitted to this Convention as the dele- 
gates of the New York Democracy, and that they be allowed two hours to re- 
port their selection— the two delegates to vote separately, each to be entitled to 



•u 



35 



seventeen votes, the remaining vote of said State to be cast alternately by the 
two delegations, the sitting members casting it tlie fust time. 

(Signed) WILLIAM M. BROOKS, 

Delegate from Alabama. 
JOHN S. DUDLEY, 

Delegate from California. 
E. GREEN, 

Delegate from Texas. 
VAN H. MANNING, 

Delegate li'om Arkansas. 
JULIAN HARTRID(;E, 

Delegate from Georgia. 
W. S. BARRY, 

of Mississippi. 

Mr. Brooks of Alabama offered the following resolution : 

Reifolved, That the two delegations from New Y'ork be authorized to select 
each thirty-five delegates, and that the seventy Delegates thus selected, be ad- 
mitted to this Convention as delegates from the New York Democracy, and that 
they be allowed two hours to report their selection. The two delegations to 
vote separately, each to be entitled to seventeen votes, the remaining vote to be 
cast alternately by the two delegations — the sitting members to cast it the first 
time. 

A discussion followed in which New York politics were well ven- 
tilated. 

Then the several resolutions reported by the majority were adopted, 
down to the resolution on the New York case. 

The question then being on the amendment of Mr. Brooks of Ala- 
bama, the State of Alabama called for the vote by States, and the State 
of Mississippi seconded the call. 

The amendment was lost by the following vote : 

Slates. Yeas. 

Maine 

New Hampshire 

Vermont 

Massachusetts 

Rhode Island 

Connecticut 

New Y'ork 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania 

Delaware 

Maryland 

Virginia 3i 

North Carolina 5 

South Carolina 

Georgia 10 

Florida 

AlaViaraa 9 

Louisiana 

The question then recurring on the adoption of the resolution of the 
majority, the same was adopted by a large majority. 

The entire report of the committee was then adopted. 

Mr. North of Pennsylvania moved to reconsider the motion to 
adopt the report, and to lay that motion on the table. Agreed to. 

Mr. North of Pennsylvania then moved that tha rejected claimants 



Nays. 


Slates. 


Yeas. 


Nays. 


S 


Mississippi 


7 





5 


Texas 


4 





5 


Arkansas 


, 3 


1 


13 


Missouri 


1 


8 


4 


Tennessee 


9 


3 


(.; 


Kentucky 


, 


12 





Ohio 





23 


1 


Indiana , 





13 


27 


Illinois 





U 


3 


Michigan 





6 


8 


Wisconsin 





5 


10 


Iowa 





4 


4 


Minnesota 





4 


8 


California 


3A 


i 





Oregon 





3 


3 













55 


210^ 


6 









v> 



36 



for seats in this Convention be invited to take honorary seats on this 
floor. [Cries of "No!" "No!" "No!"] 

Mr. Lawrence of Louisiana. The gentlemen whose claims have 
been rejected will not accept such an offer. 

A Voice. Then let them stay out. 

The Illinois contest was not alluded to in debate. The Cook dele- 
gation were kicked out without a dissenting voice. This must be very 
pleasant to Mr. Buchanan, whose postmaster at Chicago, and especial 
pet, Mr. Cook is. Poor Cook swears profusely and piteously, and 
that is the extent of his capacity. 

The death of the chairman of the Vermont delegation, Hon John 
S. Robinso:i, was then announced and resolutions of respect passed. 

The credential controversy being closed, the contest conies on the 
platform, and then — the disruption ! An explosion is certain to take 
place, and the only question is as to the extent of the Southern seces- 
sion. The air is full of rumors, and there is general concurrence in 
the proposition that it will be impossible for the unity of the Convention 
to be preserved up to the commencement of the balloting for candidates. 
I am informed by a delegate from one of the border Southern States, 
that his delegation will not withdraw when the Southern platform is 
rejected, and the Northern one with two interpretations is adopted, but 
will withdraw when Douglas is nominated on the equivocal platform, an 
event which is certain to follow the secession of the Gulf States, which 
will take place after the platform fight. 

Chaulestox, S. C, April 25th (at night). 

The Convention is now ready for the great business upon which it 
has come together — that of constructing a platform and nominating a 
candidate. The committee on Platform is now in session, and in agony 
no doubt, with the various ambiguous resolutions before it. Tlie case 
is very simple. There is, to begin with, an irreconcilable difference in 
the doctrines respecting slavery in the Territories between the Northern 
and Southern wings of the Democratic party. The platform must be 
drawn with elaborate ambiguity, and capable of two constructions, or 
the party must be divided. 

It is only certain just now, that the understanding this morning that 
there would be a disruption of the Convention, caused a panic, and 
that a disposition to compromise and be ambiguous prevails. 

I hear it asserted on that which seems reliable authority, that Mr. 
Richardson of Illinois has authority to withdraw the name of Douglas, 
and Will withdraw it, if there is any thing about the protection of slavery 
in tlie Territories in the platform. 

The party must take refuge under false pretenses of doctrine, or go 
in pieces. The question is: Will the South yield the point of honor, 
-which they have been insisting upon, so far as to allow the platform to 
be made ambiguous? If they wdl, the Douglas men are so confident 
in their ability to nominate Douglas, and in the putency of their war- 
whoop, that they will probal)ly allow the Cincinnati Platform to be 
amended by the addition of something equivalent in the estimation of 
the South to the affirmation of the Dred Scott decision doctrine, with 



37 

the interpretation put upon the decision by Judge Black, in his pamph- 
let controversy with Douglas. 

Douglas men are asserting warmly at the Mills House that they never 
will yield an inch — never, never. And they want a little Southern 
sensation on the platform. They want about forty Southern delegates 
to go out, for that would insure the nomination of Douglas, and help 
him in the North. Their fear is, that the secession will be uneomfort- 
ably large. A slight secession of merely the "shred of Gulf States" 
would be a help; and a great secession, carrying with it the weight of 
the South, would be ruinous. To-morrow is understood to be the crisis 
of the Convention. We hear hourly that a crisis involving the fate of 
the country is at hand. 

The moi-e I see of this city the more I am impressed with its singu- 
lar beauties. The most charming spot it contains is the Battery — 
which is in fact a park situated at the extreme end of the peninsula 
upon which the city is built. On one side is the harbor, the islands, 
the shores of the bay, the forts and shipping. On the other is a street 
of stately edifices, splendid private residences, surrounded by trees. 

In the pleasant evenings, the people of leisure congregate here ; 
hundreds of carriages and buggies, full of ladies and gentlemen, whirl 
along the drives — loving couples, and nurses with babies in their arms 
or in hand-carriages, and leading or directing groups of children, 
throng every promenade. At times it seems the whole town must have 
turned out for a grand reunion, and the sea-breeze comes up with health 
on its wings. During the session of the Convention there has been a 
band of music from Boston, used principally in serenading great men 
at a late hour, and bringing out speeches (" unpremeditated," of course, 
though the speakers are usually notified beforehand), which has made 
the battery especially delicious of evenings, by discoursing there the 
most exquisite music. About dusk the streets leading to the battery 
are full of people returning from visits to it. The sidewalks are lined 
as if some street public assemblage, political or religious, had just been 
dissolved. 

The delegates that took precaution to have contracts with the hotel 
keepers, have found themselves badly sold. The North-western dele- 
gates are taxed at least fifty dollars each extra, in consequence of their 
contracts. The Kentucky delegation made a contract with the proprie- 
tor of the Charleston Hotel for parlors and bed-room.^, cujnble of 
accommodating fifty persons, agreeing to pay two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars per day, from the fifteenth of April to the end of the Convention. 
Only twenty persons appeared, and the poor fellows came together and 
appointed a deputation to wait on the hotel-keeper. He agreed to allow 
the expiration of the contract ten days from its commencement, and 
then to board them at the rate of two dollars per day. 

The twenty gentlemen thereupon shelled out one hundred and twenty- 
five dollars each, and had their contract canceled. Most of them were 
men who had plenty of money, but they travailed and groaned in spirit, 
confessing, however, that they had only themselves to blame. 

There are accommodations here for three times the number of persons 
present. 



38 

FOURTH DAY. 

Institute ITaix, |^ 
Charleston, S. C, April 26th. \ 

The committee on Platform is again in session, and doing its best to 
make a platform. It adjourned at a late hour last night, without hav- 
ing ac3omplished the objects of its sessions. A member of the com- 
mittee informed me that there would in all probability be three reports — 
an ultra-Southern — a Popular Sovereignty — and a "safe middle ground 
report," according to the exceedingly moderate and conservative views 
of our illustrious Administration. 

The rumors are this morning, that the endeavors to patch up matters 
will fail entirely. The cohesive power of public plunder, when that 
plunder is worth one hundred million dollars per year, is tremendous, 
but the ferment of factions here is such that this power may be over- 
come. The Convention has to choose between subterfuge and dis- 
ruption. 

It is, for the present, the policy of the Douglas men not to excite 
controversy. They feel so confident of their strength in the Convention, 
that they are exceedingly anxious to preserve its unity, that they may 
use it. If they could induce thirty or forty ultra-Southern votes to go 
out, they might nominate Douglas. They do not provoke discussion. 
Many speeches are made at night, at the principal hotels, all extreme 
Southern in character. If a man should undertake to make such a 
Democratic speech here as is heard from every stump of the North, 
favoring the exclusion of slavery from the Territories by the people 
thereof, he would be hooted down as an Abolitionist, and possibly 
mobbed as an incendiary. Several gentlemen were called out at the 
Mills House last night. Among them was Burnett, member of Con- 
gress from Kentucky, who made a fire-eating speech, violently opposing 
all concessions of principle, all subterfuges, all equivocations, all doubt- 
ful candidates. The speech was a blow at Douglas, and the reply of 
his friends who were in the crowd was, "Never mind, when we get to 
voting we beat them like hell." 0. Jennings Wise made a speech, 
glorifying the State conservatism of South Carolina, and the memory of 
the immortal Calhoun, who is referred to here as if he were the patron 
Saint of the Democracy. 

Fernando Wood was called out and made a speech, pledging himself 
in advance to the platform and candidate of the Convention. Wood, 
though excluded from the Convention, has made a strongly favorable 
impression here. He is one of the first favorites of the "South Cari- 
kenee-ans" as they all style themselves. There were several scenes 
of uproar in front of the hotel. One poor fellow, piteously drunk, 
made a running sj)ccch for half an hour, during which the crowd roared at 
him, calling him all sorts of names, telling him to "go to bed," etc., etc. 
As the Convention assembles there are a dozen rumors about the plat- 
form, flying. One that there is wonderful harmony — another that there 
is intense antagonism. The ladies crowd in in greater numbers than 
ever. "South Caroleena" beauty is well represented. Many of the 



39 

ladies bave fine features but most of tbem bad complexions. They are 
splendid in eyes and hair, with fine profiles and bright countenances, 
but not excellent forms. The ladies are a great feature of the Conven- 
tion. The delegates are desperately gallant. 

There i« a general understanding this morning that the crisis has 
arrived at last. The Convention must speedily become indivisible, or 
it must separate, and there are many here who sincerely belive that the 
fate of the country turns on this point. 

The prayer this morning has the advantage of being heard in the 
hall. And it is probably as able and fervent as was ever "delivered 
to a Boston audience." Harmony was especially prayed for, as it is 
especially needed about these times. The Reverend gentleman said : 

"Oh, come, Heavenly Father, and with Thy spirit guide and over- 
rule the deliberations of those now present. Grant unto them that, in 
harmony and peace, and with a patriotic desire for the preservation of 
all that is sacred in the institutions of the country, they may come to a 
true and wise conclusion in their counsels. And not unto us, not unto 
us; but unto Thee shall be the honor and the glory." 

The Convention is flooded with resolutions. Mr. Fitzhugh of Vir- 
ginia introduces the following : 

Resolved, That the rendition of fugitive slaves and other property by one State 
to another is a right secured by the laws of nations, recognized by the Colonies 
and the mother country previous to the Declaration of Independence, by the 
Courts of Great Britain and by the Supreme Court of the United States, and 
by the law and Courts of all civilized nations, and a fortiori is the duty of the 
States of this Confederacy under the Constitution and laws. 

Resolved, That the refusal of the Governors of the several States to deliver up 
fugitives from justice and fugitive slaves, is an open and palpable violation of 
the above natural and international law and the Constitution and laws of the 
United States, constituting official perjury by such Governors as have evaded 
or refused to perform this duty, and if persevered in must lead to the severance 
of the Union. 

Mr. Hughes of Pennsylvania : 

Resolved, That while recognizing the doctrine that the General Government 
has no power to create in, or exclude from, by legislation, any species of prop- 
erty in any State or Territory, yet we maintain that it is the duty of that Gov- 
ernment to provide the Courts with ample process and ministerial officers for the 
protection and enforcement of any existing right, or the correction of any 
wrong, over which said Government, under the Constitution, has jurisdiction. 

Mr. Browne of Pennsylvania moved the following : 

Resoloed. That the citizens of the several States when emigrating into a Federal 
Territory, retain the right to slave and other property which they take wit^h them , 
until there is some prohibition by lawful authority ; and that, as declared by the 
Supreme Ct)urt, Congress cannot interfere with such right in a Territory, nor can 
a Territorial Le nslature do so, until authorized by the adoption of a State Con- 
stitution ; and that the attempted exercise of such a function by a Lerri tonal 
Legislature is unconstitutional, and dangerous to the peace of the L aion. 

Mr. Walker of Alabama : 

Resolved, That It Is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its departments 
within their constitutional sphere, to afford adeqate protection and equal advan- 
tage to all descriptions of property recognized as such by the laws of any ot the 



40 

States as well within the Territorits as upon the bigb-beas, and evtry place sub- 
ject to its exclusive power of legislation. 

Mr. Wall of Tennesoe offered the following resolutions, being the 
Platform advocated by tliat State : 

Be it Resolved. That we hereby reaffirm the principles announced in the Plat- 
form of the Democratic party, adopted in Convention at Cincinnati, in June, 
185(!, and fiiat we hold them to be a true exposition of our doctrines on the sub- 
jects embraced. 

Res<Aved. Tiiat the views expressed by the Supreme Court of the United States 
in the decision of the case of '• Dred Scott," are, in our opinion, a true and clear 
exposition of the powers reposed in Congress upon the subject of the Territories 
of the United States, and the rigiits guaranteed to the residents in the Territories. 

Resolved, That the States of the Confederacy are equals in political rights ; each 
State has the right to settle for itself all questions of internal policy ; the right 
to have or not to have slavery, is one of the prerogatives of sell-government — 
the States did not surrender this right in the Federal Constitution, and Tennes- 
see will not now do so. 

Resolved, That the Federal Government has no power to interfere with slavery 
in the States, iu)r to introduce or exclude it from the Territories, and no duty to 
P'-rtbrin in relation thereto, but to protect the rights of the owner from wrong 
and to restore fugitives from labor ; these duties it cannot withhold without a 
violation of the Constitution. 

Rcwlned, Tliat the organization of the Republican party upon strictly sectional: 
principles, and its hostility to the institution of slavery, which is recognized by 
the Constitution, and which is inseparably connected with the social and indus- 
trial pursuits of the Soutliern States of the Confederacy, is war upon the princi- 
ples of the Constitution and upon the rights of the States. 

Re^iolved, ITiat the late treasonable invasion of Virginia by an organized band 
of liepublicaiis, w^as the necessary result of the doctrines, teachings and princi- 
ples of that party ; was the beginning of the " irrqiressible conflict''^ of Mr. Sew- 
ard ; was a blow aimed at the institution of slavery by an effort to excite a servile 
insurrection ; was war upon the South, and as such, it is the duty of the South 
to pr.,'pare to maintain its rights under the Constitution. 

Resolved, That if this war upon the Constitutional rights of the South is per- 
sisted in, it nuist soon cease to be a war of words. If the Republican party 
would prevent a conflict of arms, let them stand by the Constitution and fulUll its 
obligations — we a.sk nothing more, we will submit to nothing less. 

Mr. Wolfe of Indiana moved the following : 

Rexolval, That the Federal Government has no power to interfere with slavery 
in the Slates, nor to introduce or exclude it from the Territories, and no duty to 
perform in nilation tlwreto, but to faithfully enforce the Fngitive Slave law. 
and all the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States in regard to 
all the rights of the peoj)le of every State and Territory under the Constitution 
of the United States. 

Mr. Glenn of Mississippi presented the following : 

1. A citizen of any Statt; in the Union may immigrate to the Territories with 
his property, whether it consists of slaves or any other subject of personal own- 
ership. 

2. So long as the Territorial condition exists the relation of master and slave 
is not to be disturlied liy FiMfi-ral or Territorial legislation ; and if so disturbed 
the Frdcral Government must furnish ample protection therefor. 

3. Whenever a Territory shall be entithd to admission into the Union as a 
State the iiiliul)itants may, in forming their Constitution, decide for themselves 
whether it shall authorize or exclude slavery. 



41 

Mr. Horn of Wisconsin offered the following : 

Resolved, Tlnit the letter of President Buchanan acceptinpr tlie nniiiination at 
Cincinnati, where he explains the Cincinnati Platform in rehitioii to llie ])ower of 
a Territorial Leijjslatnre on the subject of slavery is eminently snuful, and is 
hereby referred to the committee on Resolutions lor their consideration. 

Mr. Mouton of Louisiana offered the followins : 

Resolved, That the Temtories of the United States belong to the several States 
as their common property, and not to the individual citizens thereof— that the 
Federal Constitution recognizes property in slaves, and as such the owner thereof 
is entitled to carry his slaves into any Territory of the United Slates and hold 
them as property. And in case the people of the Territories by inaction, un- 
friendly legislation or otherwise, should endanger the tenure of such property or 
discriminate against it by withholding that protection given to this species of 
property in tlie Territories, it is the duty of the General Government to inter- 
pose, by an active exertion of its Constitutional powers to secure the rights of 
slaveholders. 

Mr. Greenfield of Kentucky offered the following : 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the National Government to provide, by law, 
for paying ibr such fugitives from labor as, by the illegal interposition of State 
authorities, the owners thereof may be prevented from receiving under the Fu- 
gitive Slave law. 

Mr. Bidwell of California moved the following : 

Resolved, That our States and Territories on the Pacific, and the Territories of 
the Great Basin, and of both slopes of the Rocky Mountains, demand the early 
construction of a railroad to connect them with the internal navigation and rail- 
way system of the Atlantic States ; and that on the ground of postal communi- 
cation> protection of Territories and States, and of military defense, the General 
Governmeut has accepted authority under the Constitution. 

Mr. Craig of Missouri offered the following : 

Resolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of granting such constitution- 
al aid as will insure the speedy construction of a railroad connecting the Atlan- 
tic and Pacific States. 

Mr. Stout of Oregon offered the following : 

Resolved, That to preserve the Union, the equality of States must be maintain- 
ed, and every branch of the Federal Government should exercise all their Con- 
stitutional powers for the protection of persons and property. 

Mr. McConnell of Illinois offered the following : 

Resolved, That the Federal Government has no power to interfere with slavery 
in the States, or to introduce it or exclude it from the Territories, and has no 
duty to perform in relation thereto, except to secure the rights of the owner by 
a return of the fugitive slave, as provided by the Constitution. 

Mr. Seward of Georgia presented the following : 

Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States extends to the several 
States, and to every citizen, the full protection of persons and property in all 
the States and Territories, and that those rights, as declared and determined by 
the Courts, under the Constitution, are to be respected and maintained by the 
Governmeut of the United States; and that James Guthrie of Kentucky be the 
nominee of the Democratic party for President of the United States, on this 
platform. 



42 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania offered the following : 

Resolved. That the convictions of the Democratic party of the country remain 
unshaken in tlie wir^doui and justice of an adequate protection of iron, coal, wool, 
and th(! other i^reat staples of our country, based upon the necessities of a rea- 
sonable revenue system of the General Government ; and approving of the views 
of President Buchanan upon tlie subj 'ct of specific duties, we earnestly desire our 
Representatives in Congress to produce sucli modifications of the existing laws 
as the unwise legislation of the Republican party in 1837 renders absolutely 
necessary to the prosper) ty of the great interests of the country. 

Capt. Rynders wanted protection extended over Monongahela whiskey. 

All these resolutions were referred to the committee on Platform. 

Resolutions became ridiculous, and on motion of Mr. Pugh, it was 
voted that tliey should in future be referred without reading. 

This was throwing the mantle over the nakedness of the party. Mr. 
Pugh is a good boy. 

The committee on Resolutions being still in travail, almost hopeless, 
the Convention adjourned until -i P. M., having no business before it. 

The evening session amounted to nothing. There was much talk of 
" the crisis "^and the Convention adjourned in a hopeless mood. 

There is but one course for it to pursue and be honest — that is, di- 
vide. They cannot agree, and every man in the Convention knows 
they cannot. Cool-headed men here are impressed that the chances in 
the next campaign are with the Chicago nominee. This thing is in a 
hopeless jumble. The South has driven the Northern Democracy to 
,the wall, and now insists upon protection of slavery in the Territories. 
In other words, insists upon the political execution of every Northern 
Democrat, and the total destruction of the Democratic party. The 
Northern Democracy here are smitten with great terrors, and are wil- 
ling to do almost any thing for harmony, but bow their necks to the 
knife of their political opponents. They are unwilling to submit them- 
selves to assassination or to commit suicide. And the South will not 
yield a jot of its position as master of the party, nor abate its devotion 
to constitutional abstractions and the propagandisra of slavery. It is 
perfectly clear, glaringly apparent here, seen in every face, heard in every 
voice, and pervades the city like an atmosphere, that the doctrine of the 
Democratic party must be that of exerting all powers of the Federal 
Government for the extension of slavery, and the increase of the polit- 
cal power of the master class of the Southern section. The record of 
this Convention will prove this fact to a demonstration. The word is 
just now that the committee will agree upon a platform which will be 
adopted. Rut the most sagacious of the politicians are uneasj. The 
sessions of the committee on Resolutions are protracted and exciting. 
Their labor of splitting hairs is enormous. And they know they must 
bring in a subterfuge, or throw a bomb-shell. 



48 

FIFTH DAY 



Institutk IIai.i,. j 



Charleston, S. C, April 27th. 

The crisis which was to have arrived yesterday, was postponed by the 
failure of the committee on Platform to report The committee, when 
the Convention came together this morning, was still unprepared. 

The reports were not made until half-past eleven o'clock, when Mr. 
Avery of North Carolina presented the following from a majority of the 
committee on Resolutions : 

MAJORITY REPORT. 

Besolved, That the platform adoptfd at Cincinnati be affirmed, with the follow- 
ing resolutions : 

1. Resolved, That the Democracy of the United States hold these cardinal 
principles on the subject of slavery in the Territories : First, That Congress 
has no power to abolish slavery in the Territories. Second, That the Territorial 
Legishxture has no power to abolish slavery in any Territory, nor to prohllnt the 
introduction of slaves therein, nor any power to exclude slavery therefrom, nor 
any right to destroy or impair the right of property in slaves by any legislation 
whatevei". 

2. Resolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful 
execution of the Fugitive Slave law are hostile in character, subversive of the 
Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect. 

3. Resolved, That it is the duty of the Federal Government to protect, when 
necessary, the rights of persons and property on the high-seas, in the Territo- 
ries, or wherever else its constitutional authority extends. 

4. Resolved, That the Democracy of the nation recognize it as the impera- 
tive duty of this Government to protect the naturalized citizen in all his rights, 
whether at home or in foreign lands, to the same extent as its native-born citi- 
zens. . . 

5. Resolved, That the National Democracy earnestly recomend the acquisi- 
tion of the Island of Cuba, at the earliest practicable period. 

Whereas, that one of the greatest necessities of the age, in a political, com- 
mercial, postal and military point of view, is a speedy communication between 
the Pacific and Atlantic coasts : Therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the National Democratic party do hereby pledge themselves to 
use every means in their power to secure the passage of some bill for the con- 
struction of a Pacific Railroad, from the western line of the Mississippi River to 
the Pacific Ocean, at the earliest practicable moment. 

Mr. Avery was instructed, as chairman of the committee, to report 
this Platform. He was further instructed to say that entire unanimi- 
ty did not prevail on a portion of the resolutions. 

The first and third resolutions in relation to slavery in the Territo- 
ries, and the duty of the General Government to protect the right of 
person and property, were adopted by a bare majority of the committee. 
The second resolution, in relation to the Fugitive Slave law, and the 
fourth resolution, in relation to naturalized citizens, were adopted unan- 
imously, and the fifth resolution, in relation to the acquisition of puba, 
was adopted without a division. The last resolution of the series, m 
reference to the Pacific Railroad, was adopted by a majority vote. 

Mr. Payne of Ohio submitted the 

MINORITY REPORT. 

The undersigned, a minority of the committee on Resolutions, regretting their 
inability to concur with the report of the majority of your committee, feel con- 



44 

.strained to sulmiit the f()llo\viii<i as their report, and recommend its adoption as 
a subbtitnte lor the npurt of tlie majority. 
Ue.specttullv submitted. 

AMO.S ROBERTS, delegate from Maine. 

W. BURNS, delegate from New Hampsbire. 

E. M. BROWN, delegate from Vermont. 

C. S. BRADLEY, delegate from Rhode Island. 

A. G. HaZZARD. delegate from Connectieut. 

BENJ. WILLIAMSON, delegate from New Jersey. 

II. B. PAYNE, delegate from Ohio. 

P. C. DUNNING, delegate from Indiana. 

O. B. FICKLIN. delegate from Illinois. 

G. V. N. LOTHROP, delegate from Michigan. 

A. S. PALMER, delegate from Wisconsin. 

BEN. M. SAMUEL, delegate from Iowa. 

J.<\S. M. CAV.ANAUGIL delegate from Minnesota. 

EDWIN CIROSWELL, delegate irom New York. 

H. B. WRIGHT, delegate from Pennsylvania. 

The name of Mr. Croswell was followed by the note that he signed 
the report in accordance with the wishes of his delegation, and agreed 
with the resolutions as far as they went. The resolutions of the minor- 
ity, which he would read, contained one or two resolutions similar to 
those of the majority ; but as they hoped their report would be the 
platform of the party, they had thought it best to embody these in that 
report. The resolutions are as follows : 

1. Besohrd. That we, the Democracy of the Union, in Convention assembled, 
hereby declare our affirmance of the resolutions unanimously adopted and de- 
clared as a platform of principles by the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati 
in the year 1856, believing that Democratic principles are unchangeable in their 
nature when apy)li('d to the same suVyect-matters ; and we recommend, as the 
only further resolutions, the following : 

2. lic.^olved, Tliat all questions in regard to the rights of property in States 
or Territories arising under the Constitution of the United States are judicial in 
their character, and the Democratic party is pledged to abide by and faithfully 
carry out such drterniination of these questions as has been or may be made by 
th(? Supreme Court of the United States. 

3. lienolird, That it is the duty of the United States to atford amjjle and com- 
plete protection to all its citizens, whether at home or abroad, and whether na- 
tive or fortMgn-born. 

4. Rexolvi'd, That one of the necessities of th6 age, in a military, commercial 
and postal point of view, is speedy communication between the Atlantic and 
Pacific States : and the Democratic party pledge such Constitutional Govern- 
ment aid as will insure the construction of a Railroad to the Pacific coast, at 
the earliest practical)le period. 

5. Resnlvfid. That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the 
Island oj' Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and just to 
Spain. 

6. Reaolved. That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful 
execution of the Fugitive Slave law, are hostile in character, subversive of the 
Constitution, and re\olutionary in their effect. 

Mr. IJ. F. Butler of Massachusetts presented the following minority 
report, signed by himself as a substitute for the amendment proposed 
by the gentleman from Ohio : 

Resolved, That we. the Democracy of the Union, in Convention assembled, 
hereby declare our atlirmance of the Democratic Resolutions nn:uiimonsly 
adopted and declared as a Platform of Principles at Cincinnati, in the year 
185G, without addition or alteration, believing that Democratic principles are 



45 

uncbangoable in their nature, when applied to the pame suliject-iiiatter. and we 
recommend as the only farther resolution, the ibllowuig : 

Resolred, That it is the duty of the United States to extend its jirotection 
alike over all its citizens, whether native or naturaliz( d. 

A minority of your conmiittee liave agreed to re])ort the above as the sole 
resolutions upon the subject of the principles of the party. 
In behalf of a minority of tlie coinuiiltee, 

B. V. BUTLER. 

Mr. Cochrane of New York gave notice that as soon as one of the 
amendments was out of the way he would offer the following : 

Resolved, That the several States of this Union are, under the Constitution, 
equal, and tliat the people thereof are entitled to the tree and niidistnrl)rd pos- 
session and enjoyment of their rights of person and propL^rly in ll]e common 
Territories, and that any attempt by Congress or a Territorial LegislaturJ to 
annul, abridge or discriminate against any such equality or riglits would be un- 
wise in policy and repugnant to the Constitution ; and that it is tlie duty of the 
Federal Government, whenever such rights are violated, to atford the uecessary, 
proper and constitutional remedies for such violations. 

Resolved, That the Platform of Principles adopted by the Convention held in 
Cincinnati, in 1S5(), and the foregoing resolutions, are hereby declared to be the 
Platform of the Democi'atic party. 

A dreary discussion followed. Mr. Avery spoke first, going over 
the usual ground traversed by Southern gentlemen of second-rate abili- 
ties in dismissing the slavery question. 

Mr. Clark of Mis.souri interrupted him in the course of his remarks, 
saying he was one of the majority who had indorsed the platform. The 
gentleman had alluded to his State as one that stood by the report. 
He wanted to announce to the Convention that he did not approve 
wholly of the report, and would not vote for the first resolution in the 
report. He had signed the report only in order to enable the committee 
to report. 

Mr. Avery did not make much headway. 

Mr. Payne of Ohio defended the minority report. He made a vig- 
orous speech, deeply earnest, and strongly fortified his position by ex- 
tracts from the speeches of Southern gentlemen. He said of the action 
of the Platform con)mittee : 

He deemed it due to say, by way of testimony for all his colleagues 
on the committee, that they had, for three days, soberly, earnestly and 
solemnly discussed the issues that now divide the Democratic party. 

It is not a personal victory they seek to achieve, but every gentleman 
had, he believed, felt in his conscience and in his heart, that upon the 
result of the deliberation of the Convention, in all human probability, 
depended the fate of the Democratic party and the destiny of the Union, 
and they would have been no patriots if they had brought into their 
deliberations any but an earnest desire to adjust the diHerences that 
exist in the party. It was with that purpo.-e and that feeling that he 
took a seat in the Convention and on the committee ; and if be knew 
his own heart, there is no personal sacrifice he would not make, short 
of his honor, to rekindle the spirit of harmony that prevailed in former 
days in the Democratic party of the Union. But there exifrted a differ- 
ence between the members of the committee. ' After a protracted dis- 
cussion they had been unable to agree, and it was the most painful act 



46 

of his political life when he found himself compelled to dissent from the 
majority of the committee in their final action. 

In conclusion, he asked the South : 

Are you for a very abstraction going to yield the chance of success? 
Is there any disposition to rob you of your political influence on the 
part of your Northern brethren ? 

We say we u'ill abide by the decision of the Courts. The Dred 
Scott decision having been rendered since the Cincinnati Platform was 
adopted, renders this proper. We will take that decision, and abide 
by it like loyal, steadfast, true-hearted men. Is not that enough? 

He would appeal to the South to put no weights upon the North — to 
let them run this race unfettered and unhampered. If the appeal is 
answered, the North will do her duty in the struggle. Should the 
platform of the majority be adopted, he would go home and do his 
best ; but hopeless of success. But he would ask, in that case, that 
his gallant Southern friends who desire to spend their summer farther 
North, would visit the State of Ohio, and join in the battle on the 
Western Reserve. 

Gen. Butler of Massachusetts proceeded to dissect both platforms, 
and did it with an incisive ferocity that was refreshing to behold. The 
Cincinnati Platform had had two interpretations placed upon it, eh ! So 
had the Bible and the Constitution of the United States. Gentlemen 
could not construct a platform that would not have a double interpreta- 
tion. 

The " rights of persons and property on the high-seas " to the pro- 
tection of the Federal Government, were asserted by Gen. Butler to be 
capable of a construction, showing it to assert the duty of Government 
to protect the African slave-trade. The General was assured that the 
South did not mean that, but the construction could not be got rid of. 
It would adhere, and would, if it were adopted, do the Northern De- 
mocracy incalculable mischief. Gen. Butler was right in this. The 
resolution asserts the duty of Government to protect slavery in the 
Territories no more clearly than its duty to protect the slave-trade on 
the high-seas, and such, doubtless, was the intention of the writer of 
the resolutions. 

Mr. Butler waded into the platform presented by Mr. Payne of Ohio. 
He said the Cincinnati Platform contained a resolution on the annexa- 
tion of Cuba, much more delicately, diplomatically and properly ex- 
pressed, than that in Mr. Payne's report. He was not in favor of the 
Pacific Railrpad. This doctrine of internal improvements by Govern- 
ment, was a new thing for the Democratic party. It was not according 
to his style of democracy. The first part of the resolution in the mi- 
nority report — that clause in reference to slavery in the Territories, as- 
serting the question of property to be a judicial question, was a mere 
truism when considered in the sense in which it was meant. The 
second part of that resolution was very dangerous. It pledged the 
Democratic party to all the decisions the Supreme Court might make. 
Was this tlie doctrine of Old Hickory ? Why, it would be enough to 
make tlie bones of old Jackson rattle in his coffin, to have such a reso- 
lution as that entertained by a Democratic Convention. Suppose the 



47 

Democratic party should be divided, by some foolish differences arising 
here, and Wm. H Seward should become next President of the United 
States. 

The judges of the Supreme Court were old men, and some of them 
would soon die. Seward proposed, at any rate, to reorganize the Su- 
preme Court. Was the South ready to indorse in advance all the de- 
cisions of the Supreme Court, when it might become Black Republican, 
when Sewaid might have the manufacture of it ? There were shouts of 
"No, no." 

The Convention adjourned when Gen. Butler concluded his speech, 
taking a recess until four o'clock. There were hundreds of ladies in 
the hall without umbrellas in hand or carriages at command, and during 
the morning session the rain commenced falling heavily. The long 
drouth was over at last. The people in the hall were in a bud condi- 
tion, but the city and the country need the rain badly. 

Many of the ladies contrived to do without their dinners and spent 
the recess in their gallery. The poor creatures, with their new dresses 
and loves of bonnets, were in sore tribulation. The atmosphere of the 
hall was already damp and chilly, — and their fine feathers are drooping. 

The doctrinal position of the Democracy as displayed in the debate 
to-day, is pitiable enough. It is indeed ridiculous and absurd for this 
body of delegates to be pretending to try to agree on a platform, when 
the whole country, themselves included, know well their disagreements 
are radical and absolute. 

AFTERNOON SESSION. 

The first thing after the Convention was called to order in the after- 
noon, was a speech from Mr. Barksdale, editor of the Mississippian, 
which was a clear, well-expressed, shrewd, and keen ultra-Southern 
speech, demanding the protection of slavery in the Territories, and in- 
sisting upon adhering to principle rather than consulting expediency. 

Mr. Barksdale is, I presume, a more forcible writer than speaker. 
The speech which he made to-day will read better than it sounded. He 
is a disciple of Jefferson Davis. His personal appearance is much in 
his favor ; but he is full of fire and prone to fly off the handle. Som« 
expressions of his countenance are very amiable ; but there is a dan- 
gerous glitter in his eye, and his thin, white lips are, when in repose, 
shut like the jaws of a steel clasp. 

Mr. King of Missouri, an old Tom Benton Democrat, who has only 
recently repented of associations with Frank Blair, B. Gratz Brown and 
Co., followed. He made an ultra-Douglas speech, indorsing the North- 
ern Democracy in the most unqualified manner. He told the South 
that their demand for the protection of slavery in the Territories would, 
if persisted in, result in a Black Republican Congress, which would give 
them such protection as wolves gave lambs. 

Mr. King is an elderly gentleman, who impresses all who hear him 
that he is thoroughly sincere. He was put forward by tlie Douglasites 
as a Southerner to answer Barksdale, and his effort was warmly ap- 
plauded by the Northerntfaction of the party. He stated in commendation 



43 

of Northern Democrats that, they were always willing to assist in return- 
ini^ fu'i'itive slaves. Wherever a Southerner, when hunting his peculiar 
property gone astray, could find a sound Democrat, he was certain of 
svnipatliy and assistance. He lamented the injustice done by the South 
to Northern Democrats, and deplored the hard political fate of those in 
the North who stood up for the South, and fought the battles of her 
rifhts. He appealed to the South not to drive the Northern Democracy 
to the wall, and alienate them, and thereby secure the election of Sew- 
ard to the Presidency. 

]\lr. Yancey of Alabama rose to replj^and received a perfect ovation. 
The hall fur several minutes rang with applause. It appeared at once 
that the outside pressure was with the fire-eaters. 

Mr. Yancey is a very mild and gentlemanly man, always wearing a 
genuinely good-humored smile, and looking as if nothing in the world 
could disturb the equanimity of his spirits. He commenced by saying 
that no time could be more appropriate for an Alabamian to be heard, than 
after the strange and unnatural speech they had just heard from a son 
of the South (Mr. King). Mr. Yancey asked for more time than was 
allowed by the rules of the Convention, and by common consent was 
allowed an additional half hour. He filled up his time (an hour and a 
half) with great effect. There wns no question after he had been upon 
the platform a few minutes, that he was a man of remarkable gifts of 
intellect and captivating powers as a speaker He reviewed the differ- 
ences on the slavery question of the Democracy. He charged that the 
defeats of the Democracy in the North were to be traced to the pander- 
ing by the party in the free States to anti-slavery sentiments ; they had 
not come up to the high ground which must be taken on the subject, in 
order to defend the South — namely, that slavery was right. He re- 
viewed the Kansas question, and detected enormity in the action of 
Stephen A. Douglas and his followers, in refusing to admit Kansas into 
the Union as a slave State under the Lecompton Constitution, and sor- 
rowed over the fact that only three constitutional Democrats were to be 
found in the Northern States to vote against the admission of Kansas 
under the \Vyandotte Constitution. He traced the history of Northern 
aggression and Southern concession as he understood it. He spoke of 
the deep distrust the South had begun to entertain of the Northern De- 
mocracy, and urged the propriety of the demand of the South, that the 
Democratic party should now take clear and high ground upon a consti- 
tutional basis. He pronounced false all charges that the State of Ala- 
bama, himself or his colleagues, were in favor of a dissolution of the 
Union per se. But he told the Democracy of the North that they must, 
in taking high constitutional ground, go before the people of the North 
and .tell them of the inevitable dissolution of the Union if constitutional 
principles did not prevail at the ballot-boxes. He spoke of the Demo- 
cratic indorsement which the majority phitform had received, saying that 
not one State wliich had voted against it, in committee, could be certain- 
ly relied upon to cast Democratic electoral votes, while every State that 
had supported that platform, with but one exception (Maryland) could, 
upon that platform, be counted absolutely certain in the electoral 
college for the JJemocratic candidate. He spolc directly to Southern 



49 

men and appealed to them to present a united front in favor of a plat- 
form that recognized their rights and guaranteed their honor. IIo said 
defeat upon principle was better than a mere victory gained by present- 
ing anibiguous issues and cheating the people. He referred to tlie de- 
feat of the Democratic party when it made a fight on principles against 
coon-skins and log cabins in 1840, and called :ittcntii>n to the over- 
whelming tide on which they rode again into power — the tide of the 
"second sober thought of the people." The Southerners in the hall 
were thoroughly warmed up by his speech, and applauded with raptur- 
ous enthusiasm. Several of his points were received 'with outbursts of 
applause that rung around the hall as if his hearers had been made to 
sliout and stamp by the simultaneous action of electricity. One of his 
most effective points was in relation to the Dred Scott decision and tlie 
plea made by Douglas and others that almost all of it was mere obiter 
dicta. This plea was disrespectful to the venerable man, who, clothed 
in the supreme ermine, had made an exposition of constitutional law. 
which had rolled in silvery cadence from the dark forests of the North 
to the glittering waters of the Gulf. 

He distinctly admitted that the South did ask of the Northern De- 
mocracy an advanced step in vindication of Southern rights ; and Mr. 
Yancey's hour and a half closed wh.ile he was in the midst of a series of 
lofty periods, and Mr. Pugh of Ohio sprung to his feet. The speech of 
Mr Yancey had been the speech of the Convention. Some time before 
it was concluded the day had expired, and the gas had been lit about 
the hall. The scene was very brilliant and impressive. The crowded 
hall, the flashing lights, the deep solicitude felt in every word, the im- 
portance of the issues pending, all combined to make up a spectacle of 
extraordinary interest, and something of splendor. 

Mr. Pugh took the platform in a condition of considerable warmth. 
There was an effort made to adjourn, but the crowd was eager for the 
fray, and in-^^isted that Pugh should go on. He did so, thanking God 
that a bold and honest man from the South had at last spoken, and told 
the whole truth of the demands of the South. It was now before the 
Convention and the country, that the South did demand an advanced 
step fiom the Democratic party. Mr. Pugh read the resolutions of the 
Alabama Convention four years ago, reported by Mr. Yancey, showing 
that the delegation of Alabama demanded of the Democracy assembled 
at Charleston, more than they required of the Democraf^y at Cincinnati, 
four years ago. His point was weakened, however, by the fact that he 
did not read all of the Alabama resolutions until forced to do so by the 
peremptory demands of Yancey and Judge Meek. Mr. Pugh said that 
his political life was almost over, and so far as he was personally con- 
cerned, he did not regret it. He then traced the downfiill of the North- 
ern Democracy, and the causes of that fall, charging the South with it. 
And now the Northern Democracy were taunted by the South with 
weakness. And here, it seemed, the Northern Democracy, because 
they were in the minority, were thrust back and told in effect they 
must put their hands on their mouths, and their mouths in the dust. 
" Gentlemen of the South," said Mr. Pugh, -' you mistake us — you 
4 



60 

mistake us — we will not do it." Mr. Pugli was interrupted mj motions 
to adjiturn, and the Convention took a recess of one hour. 

At half-|)a.«t nine o'clock in the evening, the Convention again assem- 
bled, and Mr. Pugh took the platform, in the face of a magnificent 
audience, and spoke with intense energy and animation, in his best 
siyle. 

His first point was against the exercise of doubtful constitutional 
powers ; and he insisted that the Southern demand for peculiar protec- 
tion of their peculiar property in the Territories, had no warrant in the 
Constitution. 

Mr. Pugh's cffirt is conceded to have been bold and adroit. It had 
not the silvery music, the grace and poli^h, that distinguished the ora- 
tion of Mr. Yancey, but it was keen, shrewd and telling. 

A Washington reporter, who has heard all Mr. Pugh's Senate speeches, 
says this effort was far superior to the best of them. 

He spoke of the sacrifice of the Northern Democrats of their political 
lives, battling for the doctrine of the South, now scornfully repudiated ; 
and pointed out among the delegates, men who had been Senators and 
Representatives, and who had fallen in the fight. In conclusion, he 
stated the Democracy, who were prepared to stand by the old faith, 
would be sorry to part with their Southern friends, but if the gentle- 
men from the South could only stay on the terms proposed, they must 
go. The Democracy of the Noith-west would make itself heard and 
felt. The Northern Democrats were not children under the pupilage of 
the South, and to be told to stand here and there, and moved at the beck 
and bidding of the South. The hall was still, as it was understood 
that Pugh was the spokesman of Douglas, and that the fate of the 
Democratic party was in issue. 

When Mr. Pugh concluded, Mr. John Cochrane pressed a motion 
to have a place assigned for his amendment to the majority report. 
After some discussion, it was ruled out of order. 
Mr. Bishop of Connecticut now said he thought nothing new could 
be said of the dissentions of the Democratic party, if the Convention 
remained in session and debated all summer. All these questions had 
been discussed time and again, and the minds of gentlemen made up, 
he therefore demanded the previous question. 

In an instant the house was in an uproar — a hundred delegates upon 
the floor, and upon chairs, screaming like panthers, and gesticulating 
like monkeys. The President, for the first time, completely lost con- 
trol over the Convention; not a word was audible. The reporters 
climbed upon their tables, the delegates mounted the chairs, the people 
in the galleries stretched their necks and hung over the balustrade, and 
literally, as was said of a scene in the House of Representatives, "you 
would see the Speaker's hammer going, but could not hear it." The 
chair singled out a red-haired member from Missouri, who was standing 
on a front seat, and shaking his gory locks, and trying to shriek louder 
and louder, and to look more terrible than any body else, and recog- 
nized him as moving to adjourn. The chair probably thought it the 
part of prudence to see that the Convention adjourned, for voting on 



61 

the platform in the midst of sucli a tornado, and at that hour (it was 
after ten o'clock), would be certain to blow up the Convention. 

Still the Convention roared and raged, and the chairman, h^eein^ it 
was not worth while to try to put it down by vehement efflnts, hoked 
quietly at it^; and after he had recognized the Missifceippian, remained 
quiescent. 

The first voice that rose above the din was that of some frio-htened 
delegate, crying aloud "like some strong swimmer in his agony," emit- 
ting a "bubbling groan," that the application of the gag would be dis- 
astrous to the party. The poor fellow thought the party was about to 
bust and the thing die — so he shrieked for the salvation of the Dumo- 
cratic party. Presently the chairman managed to take the reins in his 
hands, and with great equanimity, firmness and calmness of manner, 
stated that there was no occasion for so much agitation and discompos- 
ure. A crowd gathered about Bishop, and some seemed to menace 
him. The delegates gathered in groups and grappled with each other, 
and surged about like waves of the sea. 

.The chair recognized the motion of adjournment, and a vote by States 
was called for, and an adjournment carried by a small majority — yeas, 
158i ; nays, 143. The following is the vote : 

States. Yeas. A^ii/s. States. Yeas. JVays. 

Maioo 8 Mississippi 7 

New Hampshire 5 Texas 4 

Veimoiit 5 Arkansas 4 

Massachusetts 7 5i Missouri 3 6 

Rhode Island 4 Tennessee 12 

Connecticut 1 5 Kentucky 12 

New York 35 Ohio . . ." 23 

New Jersey 7 Indiana 13 

Pennsylvania 8 19 Illinois 5 6 

Delaware 3 Michigan 6 

Maryland 8 Wisconsin 5 

Virginia 15 Iowa 4 

North Carolina 10 Minnesota U 2i 

South Carolina 8 California 4 

Georgia 10 Oregon 3 

Florida 3 

Alabama 9 lo8i 143 

Louisiana 6 

The Convention separated in a bad huraor. There was a call on the 
Southerners' to remain and consult. It was a cold, rainy night, but 
there was intense heat about the hotels. Men stalked about with drip- 
ping umbrellas, and consulted eagerly and anxiously. Every bidy said 
that there would necessarily be an explosion in the morning. During 
the evening, as it was known that "the crisis" could not much longer 
be put off, dispatches were flying between Washington and Charleston. 
The Southern members of Congress were telling the delegates from 
their States that they must go out with Alabama. Toombs telegraphed 
to the Georgians that they must not stay after Alabama went out. 
Gartell did the same thing. The South Carolinians also sent di.-jiatches, 
saying that the Palmetto delegates must not be outstripped in the race 
of zeal for Southern rights and independence. 



52 



SIXTH DAY. 

Chakleston, Saturday. April 28th. 

The first thing was a pathetic appeal from Bigler of Pennsylvania. 
Biffler in his wisdom, considered the occasion critical. He feared the 
unfon of the Democratic party could not be maintained. He was in 
favor of the union of the Democracy for the sake of the union of the 
States ; of course the union of the States would go up, the moment the 
Democratic party went down. 

He moved that the majority and minority reports be recommitted to 
the Convention, with instructions to report in an hour the following 
resolutions : 

Resolved, That the platform adopted by the Democratic party at Cincinnati be 
atfirm-d. with the followiug explanatory rosoliitiou.s : 

Resolved, That the govenimenl of a Territory, organized by an act of Congress, 
is proviKional and temporary, and, during its existence, all citizens of the United 
States have an equal right to settle in the Territory, without their rights either 
of person or property, being destroyed or impaired by Congressional or Territo- 
rial legislation. . , . . 

Resolved, That the Democratic party stands pledged to the doctrme that it 13 
the duly of the Governmuut to maintain all the coustitutiomd rights of property 
of whatever kind, in the Territories, and to enforce all the decisions of the 
Supreme Court in reference thereto. 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the United States to afford ample and com- 
plete protection to all its citizens, whether at home or abroad, and whether 
native or foreign. 

Resolved, That one of the necessities of the age, in a military, commercial and 
postal point of view, is speedy communication between the Atlantic and Pacific 
States; and the Democratic party pledge such constitutional government aid as 
will insure the construction of a railroad to the Pacific coast at the earliest 
practical period. 

Resolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the 
Island of Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and just to 
Spain. 

Resolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful exe- 
cution of the Fugitive Slave law, are hostile in character, subversive ot the Con- 
stitution, and revolutionary in their effect. 

The question was divided, and a vote was taken upon the first branch 
of the motion of Mr. Bigler to commit the resolutions offered by the 
committee on Resolutions, with the amendments, back to the committee. 

Alabama demanded that the vote be by States. 

The question was taken, and it was decided in the afi&rmative. Yeas, 
152; nays, 151, as follows: 

Slates. Fea,^. Nays. States. Yeas. Nays. 

Maine o 5 Maryland 5i 2.^ 

.Now Hampshire 5 Virginia 14 I 

Vermunt (» 5 North Carolina 10 

MassachusettH 8 5 South Carolina 8 

Rhode Island 4 Georgia 10 

Connecticut 1 i 4.^ Florida 3 

New York 35 Ala));una 9 

NewJtrsey 4 3 Louisiana 6 

I'ciinsylyauia 16 II Mississippi 7 

Delaware 3 Texas 4 



53 

Staffs. Yea.''. JVoi/a. SU/fex. Yens. Nay^ 

Arkansas 4 Wisconsin 5 

Missouri 5 4 Inwa 4 

Tennessee 11 1 Miiiiicsota 1 '.^ 

Kentucky 12 California 4 

Ohio 23 Oregon 3 

Indiana 13 

Illinois 11 152 151 

Michigan 6 

So the proposed platforms were recommitted. 

The effect of the vote to recommit was to dampen the ardor of the 
Douglas men very much. 

Mr. Bigler's motion instructing the committee, was laid on the table 
by a vote of 242 to 56|^, when the State of Georgia was called. As 
this vote was being taken a minority of her delegation, Douglasites, 
made a struggle to assert their right to vote as they individually pleased. 
The Georgia delegation had been requested to vote as a unit. The rule 
adopted by the Convention provided that the individual delegates should 
cast their votes as they pleased, when it was not provided or directed by 
the State bow they should cast their votes. 

The President reviewed the facts of the case as brought to the knowl- 
edge of the Convention, and held that the words of the rule, which 
allowed any delegate to cast his individual vote, except where the State 
he represented hs.A provided or directed how the vote of the delegation 
should be cast, covered, in his judgment, the resolution that it had been 
agreed upon by both parties, had been adopted by the Georgia State 
Convention. The word ''jirovided,''^ in the rule was evidently meant 
to cover something more than ''directions,''^ as both words had been 
used. The request of a State should certainly be liberally construed, 
and he thought it was a provision as to how the vote of the State 
should be cast. He, therefore, resolved to receive the vote of the State 
of Georgia, through the chairman of the delegation, as a unit. 

Senator Salisbury was exceedingly anxious to talk of the perilous 
condition of the Democratic party. 

A Delegate from Florida rose to the question of privilege. He was 
anxious to get along harmoniously and with order. As there were a 
certain number of gentlemen who seemed bound to make the Conven- 
tion look at their faces, by hopping up every minute to some question 
or other, he would suggest that their daguerreotypes be taken and handed 
round, then there would be no occasion for them to thus annoy and trou- 
ble the Convention. 

The Convention adjourned until four o'clock, to give the committee 
time to report. 

AFTERNOON SESSION. 

On reassembling there was the same old trouble. Three reports 
very slightly moditied from those originally reported. 

Mr. Avery of North Carolina. Mr. President, I beg leave,_ on be- 
half of the committee on Resolutions, to make a report, and 1 will take 
occasion to avail myself of tbe opportunity, before reading it, to make 
a single remark. 



54 

These resolutions meet the approbation of a mnjority of the States 
represented upon that committee. I will state further, that the com- 
mittee understood that this report embodies in substance the Bayard 
resolutions, and in substance the resolutions of the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Bigler), and in substance the resolutions offered 
by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Cochrane), being modified in 
such sliape as the committee think will meet the approbation of the 
Covention. [Applause.] 

KesolveA, Tliat the platform adopted by the Democratic party at Cincinnati be 
ailinncd. with the following explanatory resolutions : 

Fird. That the government of a Territory organized by an act of Congress, 13 
provisional and temporary ; and, during its existence, all citizens of the United 
States have an efjual right to settle with their property in the Territory without 
their rights, either of person or property, being destroyed or impaired by Con- 
gressional or Territorial legislation. 

Second, That it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its departments, 
to protect, when necessary, the rights of persons and property in the Territo- 
ries, and wherever else its constitutional authority extends. 

Third, That when the settlers in a Territory having an adequate population to 
form a State Constitution, the right of sovereignty commeucts, and, being con- 
summated by admission into the Union, they stand on an equal footing with the 
people of other States ; and the State thus organized ought to be adn'jitted into 
the Federal Union, whether its cousiitution prohibits or recognizes the institu- 
tion of slavery. 

Fourth, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the Is- 
land of Culja, on such ti rins as shall be honorable to oui'selves and just to 
Spain, at the earliest practicable moment. 

Fifth, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful execu- 
cution of the Fugitive Slave law, are hostile in character, subversive of the 
Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect. 

Sixth, That the Democracy of the United States recognize it as the impera- 
tive duty of this Goveinment to protect the naturalized citizen in all his rights> 
whether at home or in foreign lands, to the same extent as its native-born citi- 
zens. 

Whereas, one of the greatest necessities of the age, in a political, commer- 
cial, postal and military point of view, is a speedy eonmiunication between the 
Pacific and Atlantic coasts : Therefore, be it 

Resolved. Tliat the Democratic party do hereby pledge themselves to use every 
means in their power to secure the passage of some bill, to the extent of the 
consiitulional authority of Congress, for the constniction of a Pacific Railroad, 
from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, at the earliest practicable mo- 
ment. 

Mr. Avery remarked : 

It is proper, Mr. President, that I should state that the Bayard res- 
olutions have been amended, first by inserting in the first resolution, 
after the word " settle," the words " with their property ; " by insert- 
ing in the second resolution, after the words "Federal Government," 
the word.s "in all its departments;" after the word "protect," the 
words " when necessary; " by striking out in the same resolution the 
words " on the high-seas," as they seem to have led to some misappre- 
hension in regard to the views entertained by the committee in asserting 
that amendment. In the resolution relating to a postal and military 
road to California, the words " to the extent of a constitutional author- 
ity of Congress" are inserted after the word " bill." 

I would further state that the second resolution is amended in this 



55 

particular : As originally drafted, it read, " tho rights of |ici.sons and 
property on the high-seas, in the Territories, or wherever else its con- 
stitutional authority extends." The committee have stricken out the 
words " high-seas," and after the word " Territory," they have strick- 
en out the word "or," so that the resolution now reads: 

"That it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its depart- 
ments, to protect, when necessary, the riglits of persons and property 
in the Territories, and wherever else its constitutional authority ex- 
tends." 

Mr. Butler of Massachusetts. I desire to say that I have a report 
to offer from the minority of the committee, which I am instructed to 
present, and to move its submission as an amendment, for the report of 
the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Samuels), who represents the larger 
minority of the committee. 

I have also the happiness to state that I have an addition to my thir- 
ty-two companions of yesterday. At such time as it will suit the pleas- 
ure of the Convention I will offer my amendment, which is the Cincin- 
nati Platform, pure and undefiled. [Applause.] 

Mr. Samuels of Iowa. I am instructed by the minority committee 
on resolutions to offer the following report. It is identical with the re- 
port that was presented by the minority committee yesterday, with the 
exception that the second resolution of the minority report of yesterday 
has been stricken out, and the following has been substituted. I will 
read the resolution which has been substituted. [Voices — "Read 
them all."] 

I will read them all, then. The resolutions are as follows : 

1. Resolved, That we, the Democracy of the Union, in Convention assembled, 
hereby declare our affirmance of the resolutions unanimously adopted and de- 
clared as a platlorni of principles by the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati 
in the year 1856, believing that Democratic principles are unchangeable in their 
nature when appli<d to the same subjtct-matters ; and we recommend, as the 
only further resolutions, the following : 

Inasmuch as differences of opinion exist in the Democratic party as to the 
nature and extent of the powers of a Territorial Legislature, and as to the pow- 
ers and duties of Congress, under the Constitution of the United States, over 
the jnstitutiun of slavery within the Territories ; 

2. Remlned, That the Democratic party will abide by the decisions of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States on the questions of constitutional law. 

3. Resolved, That it is the duty of the United States to afford ample and com- 
plete protection to all its citizens, whether at home or abroad, and whether na- 
tive or foreign. 

4. Resolved, That one of the necessities of the age. in a military, commercial 
and postal point of view, is speedy communication between the Atlantic and 
Pacific States ; and the Democratic party pledge such constitutional Govern- 
ment aid as will insure the construction of a Railroad to the Pacific coast, at 
the earliest practicable period. 

5. Resolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the 
Island of Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and just to 

Spain. 1 - • 1 /. 1 

6. Resolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful 
execution of the Fugitive Slave law, are hostile in character, subversive of the 
Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect. 

Mr. Avery made a speech in which he told the Northern delegates a 



56 

preat deal about the concessions of the South — and urged them to rccol" 
lect that the slaves who now grow cotton in Ahibama, Mississippi and 
Georgia are the children of slaves who were formerly slaves in their 
own States. 

Mr. Samuels lillod up an hour with a pompous stump speech advo- 
cating the minority report. 

Mr. Butler of Massachusetts rehearsed his speech of the previous 
day in favor of that singulaly luminous proposition, the Cincinnati 
Platform, pure and sin)ple. As to the two interpretations on the Cin- 
cinnati Platform, he stated that there were already two interpretations 
upon each of the reports before the Convention. There would always 
be two interpretations. 

Gov. Stephens of Oregon made a speech in favor of the majority 
report. 

Mr. Brent of Maryland made a speech for the minority report. The 
debate was dreadfully dull and intolerably long — one dull fellow after 
another takes the floor and bores the immense and impatient audience 
for an hour. It becomes apparent that there is a determination not to 
allow a vote on the resolutions. 

Now, the majority report i.-< at least tolerably honest. You can tell 
what it means. There can be no dispute, however, but the minority 
report is a miserable and cowardly evasion. The favorite phrase of our 
North-western gentry — one that they have abided by through all their 
troubles — is that " Democratic principles are unchangeable in tlieir na- 
ture, when applied to the same subject-matters." They then proceed to 
indort-e the Cincinnati Platform, knowing it to be an exposed cheat — 
that the Administration elected upon it, has not construed it as it was 
interpreted before the people. They want to " cheat and to be cheated." 
The next thing is an indorsement for time and eternity of the Supreme 
Court. Both platform reports were in favor of the exercise of consti- 
tutional power (which means none at all) for the construction of the 
Pacific Railroad. Both were in fovor of Cuba on terms " honorable to 
ourselves and just to Spaiu " (which means, that Cuba is to be grabbed 
whenever an opportunity affords). Both were opposed to unfiiondly 
legislation in the Northern States, and both in favor of doing wonderful 
things for the foreign-born citizen at home and abroad. 

After the debate had gone on several hours, being more wretched in 
substance and unentertaining in manner than an ordinary wrangle in 
the^ House of Representatives, the previous question was demanded. 
This was done by a trick. Mr. Claiborne, delegate from Missouri, 
wanted to explain the position of that State. Gushing had the floor 
farmed out, and expected to make a speech himself. He sent a messen- 
ger, to inquire whether the Missourian proposed to move the previous 
question. The messenger saw the wrong man, and was deceived, and 
in turn deceived Gushing, who thus lost the opportunity for which he 
was aching, to speak on the platform. 

And now en.sued a parliamentary struggle, exceedingly exciting and 
interesting. The Douglas men were inten.<ely anxious to finish up the 
week's work in good style by adopting their platform. The opponents 
of Douglas were resolved that the vote should not be taken on the plat- 



67 

form. The Dou^lasites were resolute, in the nijijority, and good tacti- 
cians. But the South ffll back upon its old tactics in Congress — that 
of filibustering to save time. They heaped up motions to adjourn, 
and motions to lay the whole matter upon the tai)le, and rose to privi- 
leged motions and personal explanations. The Chair ruled steadily, 
but carefully, in favor of the filibusters. He was in a tight place, 
too, and felt it. He became nervous and fidgety, and threatened to 
leave the chair and abandon the Convention ; and the Convention posi- 
tively seemed alarmed and disheartened at the idea of Caleb leaving it 
to devour itself. Caleb said, it was impossible for him to maintain a 
contest of physical endurance with six hundred gentlemen. He said : 
" The Chair will entertain no motion, until the Convention is restored 
to order, and when that is done, the Chair desires to make another sug- 
gestion to the Convention. The Chair has already stated, that it is 
physically impossible for him to go on with the business of the Con- 
vention, so long as one-half of the members are upon their feet and 
engaged in clamor of one sort or another. The Chair begs leave to 
repeat that he knows but one remedy for snch disorder, and that is, for 
your presiding officer to leave the chair. He, of course, would deeply 
regret that painful necessity, but it would be a less evil than that this 
incessant confusion and disorder, presenting such a spectacle to the 
people of South Carolina, should continue to prevail in this most hon- 
orable body of so many respectable gentlemen of the highest standing 
in the community, engaged in debate and deliberation upou the dearest 
interests of the country." [Applause.] 

There was a Mississippian, Jackson, who was particularly prominent 
in putting motions. He had a good voice, and was standing in his 
chair and roaring all the time. Now, Caleb saw in him an opportunity 
of making a scape-goat. He (Caleb) had been holding the helm hard 
down against the Douglas parliamentarians, and now, taking a virtuous 
spasm, he told Jackson in a tone most unphilosophically indignant, that 
he could not tolerate him on his feet incessantly putting an endless 
series of motions. 

Mr. Walker of Alabama wanted the unanimous consent of the Con- 
vention to hear the Hon. Caleb Cushing on, the resolutions, but was 
hooted down. 

A gentleman from Tennessee, who had made many efforts to get the 
floor, finally obtained a hearing, when the motion he wished to put was 
not in order, and took advantage of his opportunity to introduce him- 
self formally to "the distinguished President of this Convention." 
Cushing was puzzled for a moment, and was then guilty of an awkward 
bow, and a very thin artificial smile. 

During the parliamentary squabble two votes by States were taken 
on motions to adjourn. The first was as follows : 

Stales. Yeas. Nays. ,. Stales. Yeas Nays. 

Maine 8 Connecticut 6 

New Hampshire 5 New York 35 

Vermont 5 New Jersey 7 

Maspachn setts 5 7i Pennsylvania 13 11 

Rhode Muad 4" Delaware 3 



'ays. 


Stales. 


Yeas. 


Nays. 


2 J 


Kentucky 


n 


U 


1 


Ohio 





23 





Indiana 





13 


8 


Illinois 





11 





Micljigan 





6 


n 


Wisconsin 





5 





Iowa 





4 





Minnesota 





4 





California 


4 







9 


Oregon 


3 







139 


1G9 












58 

Shite:'. Teas. 

Maryland 5J 

Virjrinia 14' 

North Carolina 10 

South Carolina 

Georjria 10 

Florida 3 

Alabama 9 

Louisiana 6 

Mississippi 7 

Texas 4 

Arkansas 4 

Missouri 

Tennessee 12 

It is believed that the column of nays in this vote represents the ut- 
most strength of ]\Ir. Douglas ; and there are some votes in it that he 
cannot get. It is now thought that the South u in such a condition, 
that it would be absolute suicide for the South Carolina delegates to 
vote for him, however great the emergency. There are also in this 
vote two votes from Pennsylvania that he cannot get for the nomination. 
And there will be one vote from Minnesota against him for the nomina- 
tion. There are also five of the nine Missouri votes forever against 
him. It will be perceived, too, that the Douglas men screwed out of 
the Southern States their last half votes — one vote and a half from 
Kentucky, and one vote from Virginia. There are, however, one or 
two votes from Tennessee, that we find in the column of yeas above, 
that are for Douglas. On the whole, a close analysis of this vote shows 
that Douglas will get a majority vote, but cannot get a two-thirds vote, 
unless the expected Southern secession should draw off thirty or forty 
votes. Then the Douglas men would use their numerical siiperiority , 
to construe the rules so, as to allow two-thirds of the votes present to 
nominate. 

The fight on adjournment was at last a drawn battle. The main 
question was ordered, and the Convention adjourned at 11 o'clock P. M. 

It will be necessary on Monday morning to proceed to vote on the 
platform. 

Charleston, April 29th. 
This, the "day of rest," is the most busy day of the session among 
the politicians. The vote on tlie platform must come off in the morn- 
ing. The question on the platform of principles to-day, is which side 
has the most money and can make the biggest promises to obtain the 
floating vote. The uncertain men here, as in the late contest for the 
Speakership of the House, have the decision of the question. If the 
majority platform should be adopted, Douglas is dead without further 
ceremony. The Douglas stock is falling. Several of his delegations 
are shaky ; men can be picked from all the delegations for him that are 
at heart against him, and that will be happy to lead a stampede. These 
gentlemen are very busy to-day, and were in a flutter yesterday. There 
IS a feeling of distru.st in the delegations of Ohio, Indiana, and even 
Illinois. Tho.=;e who are for Douglas through thick and thin, now and 
forever, are becoming disgusted and alarmed at the coldness of some of 
their colleagues. They are also in trepid.ation about the South. Every 



59 

imaginable offin-t will be made to-day by the deadly enemies of Douglas 
to keep the South in the Convention. If Alabama and company will 
stay in, after the minority platform is adopted, Douglas cannot receive the 
nomination. There are, at least, one hundred and thirty votes innnov- 
ably against him. He can get more than that number, but there are not 
that many anxious about him. The New York vote will be east as an 
unit for him, and yet there are more than one-third of the delegation 
hotly opposed to him. The Douglas men have become so solicitous on 
the subject of the going out of the ultra-South, that the ultras are rather 
disposed to stay inside and disappoint them. Yesterday, for instance, 
an Ohioan asked a Louisianian in a very solemn way, how many of 
them would be likely to go. " Oh, never mind," said Louisiana, " we 
won't go out until we are ready. You are too damn keen for us to go." 
I am inclined to believe, from the information that comes to me from 
various sources, that ten times the number of offices in existence under 
the Government, have been promised by Douglas & Co., in case he 
should become President. I am told of one delegate from a Southern 
State who has been three times approached, and asked whether he would 
not like a foreign mission, and could not be reconciled to Douglas. 
Foreign missions, collectorships, indeed, all offices within the gift of the 
President, are the currency here. 

I do not know but I will have to take back a statement made in this 
correspondence, that the preponderance of brains in the Convention was, 
or would be, with the South. If the South has the greatest weight and 
brilliancy of brains in the Convention, the fact has not appeared very 
definitely, up to this time. 

The tactics of the Douglas men have been much better than those of 
their opponents. No Southern speech upon the floor has been remark- 
able for power, except that of the Hon. Wm. L. Yancey ; and there 
have been a considerable number of displays of the worst sort of South- 
ern blatherskiteisra, and some notable instances of Southern ill-manners. 
The Douglas men came here with a regular programme, with a power- 
ful mass of instructed delegates, and an enthusiastic corps of outsiders. 
The South, and the Administration forces, came without a candidate, a 
programme, or even a conceit of a policy. They have rested secure in 
the idea of their strength. The force of the zeal and impudence of the 
Douglas men amazes and confounds, while it exasperates, them. And 
now they find themselves face to face, with a pressing danger that 
Douglas will overwhelm them. They did not know the tremendous ef- 
forts°the Little Giant was capable of putting forth. It is very evident 
here to-night, that with the Federal Government, and the dominant iiien 
of the section of the greatest strength of the Democratic party against 
him, he is, in generalship, more than a match for them all. He in- 
spired his followers, who gathered around him in Washington, as they 
passed on their way to this place, with the wildest enthusiasm, and the 
most resolute determination to nominate him at all hazards, together 
with confidence in their ability to do so. And now, in spite of the 
South's prestige, in spite of the Administration's hate, nothing stands 
between him and a triumphant nomination but the two-*hirds rule ; 
and it is not certain that even that will avail. It would be unwise to 



60 

under-estimate the nuui who is competent to such a performance as this. 
From the beginning of the struggle here, his enemies have been swim- 
mino; against the tide. Slidell and all the rest, have been, as it were, 
but taking up arms against a sea of troubles, and they have not made 
much prtigress toward ending tliem. The South has not yet produced 
upon the floor in the rough-and-tumble fights of the Convention, a 
champion who could cope with the rude giant Richardson, while it re- 
quired very acute ruling, by that most clear-headed sophist Caleb Cush- 
ing, at one time, to prevent Stuart of Michigan (the Democratic Sen- 
ator who stood with Douglas and Broderick against Lecompton) from 
ending the platform fight disastrously for the Administration, by a par- 
liamentary coup d'etat. I am not unwilling to admire, as all the world 
does, a bold game played with enormous force and splendid impudence 
for an imperial stake, like as this Douglas game for the Presidency. 
That there is infinite rottenness and corruption under it, there is abun- 
dant evidence. This is not confined to the Douglas side, however. It 
is a part of :he caucus system. The revenues of King Caucus are bribes. 

The crowd here has thinned out rapidly within the last three days. 
Every train goes away full — and two steamers, one for New York and 
another fur Philadelphia, left to-day, bearing off at least two hundred 
outsiders. The halls of the hotels are not obstructed, nor the bar- 
rooms crowded as they were two weeks since. Scores of faces that be- 
came familiar in the early days of the Convention, have departed. The 
outside pressure from both sections melts away day by day. The 
stages rattle away from the hotels, loaded down with trunks, and filled 
with passengers. The purses of the bar-room orators and ward politi- 
cians of the North were becoming collapsed, and as this is just now a 
bad place to borrow money, they took flight while they had enough 
to see them safe home. And the Southern men are talking con- 
stantly about their " cotton." They are nearly as much interested with 
cotton talk, as with the logic to which they are greatly devoted, concern- 
ing the "protection of slave property in the Territories." They are 
also solicitous as to how their "boys" and "girls" are getting 
along — and Southern mails will not bring them letters at satisfactory 
speed. 

A great calamity has come upon the Ohio delegation. Their private 
whiskey, of which they laid in a supply supposed to be equal to all 
emergencies, the nomination of Douglas included, gave out this morn- 
ing. They attribute their good health which they have enjoyed to this 
article. The Kentucky whiskey, too, is nearly all gone. The barrel 
in which it is contained, apd which occupies an honorable position, and 
receives much attention, in their parlor, gives forth, M'hen consulted as 
to its condition, a dismal tone of emptiness. 

The weather has been wonderfully changeable during my residency 
in this city. It was sultry and prostrating for a time. The sun shone 
with sucli power that there seemed, when walking on the sunny sides of 
the streets, to be danger of sunstroke. We had some days like those 
scorching ones of June in Southern Ohio. But for three days past 
there has been a cold rain and blustering wind, and gdod fires have 
been good thmgs during the first part of this day. The rain fell fast, 



61 

and the wind carried a chill to the bones. Ahout noon, all the clouds 
were blown over into the Atlantic. The sky was stripped in an hour 
of the whole mass of bleak and drifting clouds, and the sun shone with 
revivin'i- waimth, while the wind was not chilly, hut merely cool enough 
to be refreshing. The planters were at the breakfast table this morn- 
inf (gossiping about the frost. This evening they are comforting them- 
selves with visions of growing cotton — and wondering how will the 
" boys " have it set by this time. 

One of our Northern delegates, a gentleman whose name or State I 
shall not mention, strolling down a side street the other day, saw a sign, 
"Slaves for sale." He walked in, and was asked, in effect, whether be 
meant business. He promptly replied that he wanted to bny a nice 
woman, and they told him they could sell him a very fine seamstress. 
He concluded to look at her, and she turned out to be a clever mulatto 
girl, well dressed, and, like a great many of her race, sporting consider- 
able jewelry, ear-drop^, finger-rings, etc. Her qualities as a seamstress 
were dwelt upon, and our friend was told that as it was him, he might 
have her cheap — price only S1500. He concluded to think of it, and 
look further before purchasing. 



SEVENTH DAY. 

Charleston, S. C, Monday, April 30th. 

The Convention came together this morning with a curious mingling 
of despair of accomplishing any thing, and hope that something will 
turn up, hope as illogical as those everlasting anticipations of Mr. 
Micawber. 

I am not stating the case over-strongly, when I say there is a general 
consciousness that the Convention is making so bad a record, that its 
deliberations are becoming of little importance, so impossible will it be to 
defend any conclusion likely to be reached, before the country. The 
Democratic party has here furnished to its enemies the ammunition that 
will enable them to annihilate the preposterous pretensions wtiich it has 
for some years put forth. The scenes around me are those of the dis- 
solution of the Democratic organization. 

The North-western delegates are disheartened. They see that it will 
hardly be worth while to nominate Douglas, as it will be impossible for 
him to drag through the coming campaign so cumbrous a mass of an- 
tagonisms as have been presented here. 

I have several times this morning heard the remark, " The President 
will be nominated at Chicago." It is my own opinion, however, that 
there will be as irreconcilable adverse interests and sentiments devel- 
oped in the Republican party at Chicago as have obtruded themselves 
here. 

The hall is more densely crowded this morning than ever before. A 
great many strangers have gone home — and there are but feeble swarms 
buzzing about the hotels, compared wish those who were crushing each 
other aud roaring a week ago. But the South Carolinians have become 



62 

intcresifd, and the doors being oponed to them this morning, they have 
rushed in and filled vacancies. The Convention, so far as outsiders are 
concerned, " wears a Southern aspect." The delegates are all here, 
or vacancies supplied ; but the manufacturers of public opinion, satis- 
fied with their exertions, are making their way Northward. 

The vote first in order was on Butler's amendment, that is, the Cin- 
cinnati Platform. During the call of the roll of the States, a row 
broke out in the New Jersey delegation, as to whether the delegates 
had been instructed to vote as an unit. This was important, as it would 
determine on which side three votes should be cast. The chair decided 
that the recommendation of the New Jersey Convention, that the dele- 
gates should vote as an unit, was equivalent to a provision to that effect ; 
and the rules required that delegates should vote as bad been provided. 
The decision of the chair was appealed frt)m. A motion was made to 
lay the appeal upon the table. A vote by States was demanded. The 
appeal was not laid upon the table; vote 145 to 150. The vote was 
then taken directly whether the chair should be sustained. The chair 
was overruled by a vote of 145 to 151. The roll being called through 
on the Butl.er resolution, the vote stood for the Cincinnati Platform, 
without the dotting of an i, or the crossing of a t, but with a resolution 
about the protection of foreign-born citizens, 105 ayes, 198 noes, as 
follows : 

YtAS — Maine 3, Massachusetts 8, Connecticut 2|, New Jersey 5, 
Pennsylvania 10^, Delaware 3, Maryland b^, Virginia 12^, North 
Carolina 10, Georgia 10, Missouri 4^, Tennessee 11, Kentucky 9, 
Minnesota I5, Oregon 3 — 105. 

Nays — Maine 5, New Hampshire 5, Vermont 5, Massachusetts 5, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New York 35, New Jersey 2, Penn- 
sylvania KH, Maryland 2i, Virginia 21 ^uth Carolina 8, Florida 3, 
Alabama 9, Louisiana 6, Mississippi 7, Texas 4, Arkansas 4, Missouri 
45, Tennessee 1, Kentucky 3, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Mich- 
igan 6, Wisconsin 5, Minnesota 2i, Iowa 4, California 4 — 198. 

Just before this vote was declared, an old gentlemen declared on the 
floor that the gentleman in the galleries were spitting upon those below. 
This was styled a " privileged question." The gentlemen in the gal- 
lery were respectfully requested not to use the heads of gentlemen be- 
low them for spittoons, and not to wear their hats in the presence of the 
uncovered Convention. 

And now came the tug of war — the crucial test — on the adoption of 
the minority, or Douglas-Popular Sovereignty-Supreme Court-ambigu- 
ous, report. When this report was read, Butler of Massachusetts moved 
to lay the whole sui)ject on the table, and proceed to ballot for President. 
This was ovcirruled, and the vote was taken direct on the minority plat- 
form. Wliile this was pending a iMarylander renewed Butler's motion, 
and an Aiabamian seconded it by mistake. Discovering his mistake, 
he said, "Mr. President, I don't second the motion of that man down 
yonder." The Maiylander was indignant, and jumping up, disj'layed 
a neat-fitiiiig pair of light kid gloves, and the round face of a young 
man. Ib-j gave his name, and said he would be very glad to know the 
name and address of the delegate who talked of " that man down yon- 



63 

der." A great hearty, good-natured gentleman — a two hundred and 
twenty pounder — with as honest a face as you would find in a day, 
loomed up from his chair, and said, "I intended no disrespect to the 
gentleman from Maryland — but my name is Tom C\)oper, of Alabama." 
The house thundered applause, and the Marylander luoked as if he had 
fished for a seal and caught a rhinoceros. He gave his address, and 
said if Tom Cooper would call upon him him, they would take a drink 
together. 

Flournoy of Arkansas had a personal explanation, and s:iid he was 
for Popular Sovereignty. 

The States were then called on the motion to adopt the minority res- 
olutions in lieu of the majority report, and they were adopted by the 
following vote : 

Yeas — Maine 8, New Hampshire 5, Vermont 5, IMassachusetts 7, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut G, New York 35, New Jersey 5, Pennsyl- 
vania 12, Maryland 3i, Virginia 1, Missouri 4, Tennessee 1, Ken- 
tucky 2^, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Hlinois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, 
Iowa 4, Minnesota 4 — 1G5. 

Nays — Massachusetts 6, New Jersey 2, Pennsylvania 15, Delaware 
— , Maryland 4|, Virginia 14, North Carolina 10, South Carolina 8, 
Georgia 10, Florida 3, Alabama 9, Louisiana G, Mississip|ji 7, Texas 4, 
Arkansas 4, Missouri 5, Tennessee 11, Kentucky 9i, Michigan 10, 
California 4, Oregon 3 — 138. 

There was one more straight vote required to clinch the thing — that 
was a majority vote on the platform as amended by the substitution of 
the minority report. Mr. Butler moved for a division of the proposi- 
tion, and moved for as much of it as indorsed the Cincitinati Platform 
simply, the chair ruled that each substantive and intelligible proposi- 
tion (V) could be taken separately. The crisis was now, after long 
postponement, at hand. In calling the vote on the reaftirmation of the 
Cincinnati Platforbi, a delegate from Mississippi arose, his face livid 
with excitement, and said that Mississippi, believing the Cincinnati 
Platform to be a miserable swindle on one side of the house or the other, 
voted no. Arkansas followed — and the cotton States generally came 
into line under the lead of Mississippi. Under Mr. Butler's motion 
and the ruling of the chair, there was a vote on the first resolution of 
the series, thus : 

1. Resolved, That we, the Democracy of the Union, in Convention aj^somblod, 
horeby dcchire our alBnnance of the resolutions unanimously adopted and de- 
clared as a Platform of Principles by the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati, 
in the year 1856, believing thai Democratic principles are unchangeable in their 
nature, when applied to the same subject-matters. 

It was carried as follows : 

Yeas — Maine 8, New Hampshire 5, Veamont 5, Massachucsetts 13, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 6, New York 35 ; New Jeoey 7, Penn- 
sylvania 27, Delaware 2, Maryland 5, Virginia 14, North Carolina 10, 
Missouri H, Tennessee 10^, Kentucky 12, Ohio 23, Indinna 13, Illi- 
nois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, Minnesota 4, California 5 
— 237i 

Nays — Delaware 1, Maryland 3, Virginia 1, South Carolina 8, 



64 

Georgia 10, Florida ?>, Alabama 9, Louisiana G.Mississippi 7, Texas 4, 
Arkansas 4, Missouri lu, Tennessee 1, California 3|, Oregon 3 — 65. 

Mr. Driijgs of New York said the Convention having adopted the 
Cint-iniiati Platform, he moved to lay all the resolutions on the table. 

The motion to lay on the table was lost. 

Yk.\s — Massachusetts 8^, Connecticut 2, New Jersey 5, Pennsyl- 
vania IGs, Delaware 2, Virginia 11, North Carolina 9, South Carolina 
8, Tennessee, 101, Kentucky T^, Minnesota 1 — 81. 

N.ws — Maine 8, New Hampshire 6, Vermont 5, Massachusetts 45, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 4, New York 35, New Jersey 2, Penn- 
sylvania lOi, Delaware 1, Maryland 8, Virginia 4, North Carolina 1, 
Georgia 10, Florida 3, Louisiana 6, Arkansas 1, Missouri 9, Tennessee 
1|, Kentucky 4^, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan 6, Wis- 
consin 5, Iowa 4, Minnes')ta 3, California 4, Oregon 3 — 188. 

During the call, Mr. Walker af Alabama withdrew the vote of his 
State. 

Mississippi withdrew her vote. 

Arkansas withdrew three of her votes. 

The cry goes forth from one delegate after another, "in these solemn 
moments " — that the party must stick together, for the country will be 
ruined if it does not. If the party remains united, on whatever false 
and hypocritical platform, or pretense, the country is safe. If the par- 
ty blows up, the country is doomed, of course. 

It is said that the South can't stay in the Convention if the Cincin- 
nati swindle, and an indorsement of a court decision variously inter- 
preted, is thrust upon the country as the Democratic platform. The 
South thought yesterday they could stay in the Convention, after the 
ambiguous platform was put forth, for the sake of defeating Douglas. 
But to-day, they have slept upon it and become hotter, and are up to 
the explosive point. 

Mr. Gittings of Maryland insisted on talking out of order. He ac- 
cused the chair of ruling him out of order because he came from a 
slaveholding State. As the President was somewhat peremptory with 
him, he said: 

" Only one word, sir. I want to be heard. The only time I ever 
remember to have seen our worthy chairman before was in 1840, when 
he made one of the most violent Whig speeches I ever heard." [Cheers, 
hisses and laughter.] 

Mr. Ewing of Tennessee called for a separate vote on the following 
preamble and resolution : 

limsinuch as ditlorenccs of opinion (^jist in tho Democratic party as to the na- 
ture and extent of tiie powers of a Territorial Legislature, and as lo the powers 
aiid_ duties of Con;>Tess, under the Constitution of tho United Stales, over the 
institution of shivery within the Territories: 

/{exolval. That the Democratic party will abide by the decisions of the Su- 
preme Court of the United Slates on the questions of constitutional law. 

Mr. Stuart of Michigan said, if the gentleman did not want the res- 
olution, we of the North did not. 

lion, liedf'ord lirown of North Carolina warned his Northern friends 
not to adopt this preamble and resolution. It swept off every barrier 



65 

of the Constitution, and would destroy tho Democratic party and the 
country. [Great applause.] 

Mr. llicliardson wantud to speak, but Mr. Hooker of I\Ii.«sis.sippi 
pernisted in raisina; a point of cider on him. John Cochrane said there 
might he peace-ofFi^rin^s coming. 

Amid.st a bahel of noise and confusion tho vote was taken aceordino- 
to the call of Mr. Ewing. 

The roll call was constantly interrupted by questions and explana- 
tions. 

The Northern States first voted affirmatively, but finding the South 
refused to vote, changed their votes to the negative, amidst ciies of 
" What's the dodge now ? " " That's a back down ! " and the like. 

The vote was announced, and the preamble and resolutions wore re- 
jected. 

It was rej'^cted by the following vote : 

Yeas — New Hampshire 1, Rhode Island 4, Pennsylvania 8, Mis- 
souri 4, Kentucky 4 — 21. 

Nays — Maine 8, New Hampshire 4, Vermont 5, 3Iassachusetts 13, 
Connecticut 6, New Yurk 35, New Jersey 7, Pennsylvania 19, Dela- 
ware 2, Maryland 8, Virginia 15, North Carolina 10, South Carcdina 
8, Missouri 5, Tennessee 12, Kentucky 8, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illi- 
nois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, lowu 4, Minnesota 4, California 4, 
Oregon 3—238. 

A division was called on all the remaining resolutions, and they were 
severally adopted ; that relating to the rights of naturalized citizens re- 
ceiving a utianimous vote, even in this divided Convention. The reso- 
lutions adopted, in addition to the Cincinnati Platform, are as fulluws: 

3. Resolved, That it is the duly of the United States to afTord ample and com- 
pU'te protwstion to all its citizens, whether at home or abroad, and whether na- 
tive or f()rci<j;n. 

4. Resolved, That one of the necessities of the age. in a military, commercial 
and postal point of view, is ppicdy communication between tiie Athiiitic and 
Pacilic States : and the Uemocratic party pledge such constitutional Guvern- 
meut aid as will insure the coastructiou of a Railroad to the I'acitic coast, at 
the earliest practicable pt-riod. 

5. Resolved, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the 
Island of Cuba, on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and just to 
Spain. 

6. Resolved, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful 
executioa of the Fugitive Slave law, are hostile in character, subversive of the 
Constitution, and revolutionary in their clt'ect. 

Mr. Smart of IMichigan now procured the floor, and made a very ir- 
ritating speech, exceedingly ill-timed, unless he intended to drive out 
the Gulf States, and he has been accused of entertaining such purpose. 

Writing, some days afterward, of this scene, I said of the part Mr. 
S;u irt performed : 

So, as oon as the platform was adopted, he took the stand upon a 
motion to reconsider, made for the purpo-^e of inj cting a speech into 
the proceedings at that t-tage, and proeeeded in the most offensive way 
to cIjvv at the <tld sore of liie party, already full of fever. If iiis ob- 
j.'ct was to pr(iduce irritation, he succeeded adiniribly. The explosion 
fulluvvcd fast upon his iueendiaiy shakiiig of fiic-biaaJd in the party 
5 



6Q 

powder-touse. But there was more powler in tlie explosion than Stuart 
calculated upon. Instead ot merely blowing off a fragment or two, 
and producing tlic long-coveted reaction in the North, one half of the 
South — the very citadel and heart of Democracy — was blown away ; 
and the other half prevented from following, only by that which was in 
effect a real reconsideration of the platform, the last thing which Stuart 
wanted. 

After Stuart's speech, Mr. Walker of Alabama read the protest of 
that State against the proceedings of the Convention, and formally with- 
drew from it. 

Mr. Barry did the same thing for Mississippi. Mr. Mouton did the 
same for Louisiana ; Gen. Simmons for South Carolina ; Mr. Milton for 
Florida; Mr. Bryan of Texas, and Mr. Burrows of Arkansas. The 
speeches which give the spirit of this exciting period better than any 
others, were tho.se of Mr. Mouton of Louisiana, and Mr. Glenn of 
Mississippi, the latter making decidedly the speech of the occasion. 

SPEECH OF MR. MOUTON. 

Mr. Mouton of Louisiana. I have but a short communication to 
make to this Convention. I do not do so in my individual name. I 
am instructed by the delegates of Louisiana, whom I represent, to say 
that they will not participate any more in the proceedings of this Con- 
vention. Heretofore we have been in the habit of saying, that the 
Democracy of the country were harmonious; but can we say so to-day 
with any truth? Are we not divided, and divided in such a manner 
that we can never be again united and reconciliated, because we are 
divided upon principle ? Can we adopt this platform voted for by the 
majority of the Convention? Can we go home to our constituents, and 
put one construction upon it, and the Northern Democrats another ? 
No. I think I speak the sentiment of my State when 1 say, she never 
will place a double construction upon a platform. 

If we are to fight the Black Republicans, let us do it with a bold 
front, and together. Let us take the same arms — let us sustain the 
same regiment. We say that the Douglas principles, adopted to-day 
by the majority, can never be the principles of the South. And let me 
say, at the same time, that I should have suggested the propriety of 
dispensing with all these votes, and have come at once to the conclusion 
we have now reached. 

Mr. M. then argued on the principles of the two platforms, and 
declared his conviction that the only way to meet and to check Black 
Republican aggression was to adopt the doctrine of protection by Con- 
gress to the property of Southern citizens in all the Territories of the 
Union. 

SPEECH OF MR. GLENN. 

Mr. Glenn of Mississippi arose. He said: For the first time, for 
the only time, for the last time, and in the name of the State he had 
the honor in part to represent, he desired to say a few words. He herld 
in his hand the solemn act of the Mississippi delegation upon this floor. 
It was not a hasty act, not conceived in passion or carried out from mere 



I 



67 

caprice or disappointment. It was the firm resolve of tbe <>;reat body 
they represented, wliich was expressed in the Convention who sent them 
here, and tliat resolve that people, we, their representatives, will main- 
tain at all times and at all costs. They came not to dictate, and since 
their arrival, the intercourse has been courteous with their brethren 
from other State Conventions, as far as personality was coneerned. But 
that was not all. They claimed the exercise of the principles upou 
which the party must stand. He did not ask them to adopt a platform 
opposed to their conscieptious principles. He claimed tu come as an 
equal member of the common Confederacy, with the simple desire of an 
acknowledgment of their equal rights within that Confederacy. What 
was the construction of the platform of 1856 V You of the North said 
it meant one thing ; we of the South another. Either you were rio-ht 
or we wrong. They ask which was right and which wrono-. The 
North had maintained their position, but, while doing so, they did not 
acknowledge the rights of the South. Turn back to one of their lead- 
ing men, once representing a sovereign State in the Union, who then 
voted that Congress had the constitutional power to pass the Wilmot 
proviso, or to exclude, and now, when the Supreme Cuurt has said it is 
in that power, he eomes forward and says that Congress is impotent to 
protect slave power. 

The speaker then referred to the gentleman from Ohio, who, a few 
days since, said if a Terriforial Legislature should misuse its powers or 
abuse them. Congress can wipe it oat altogether. They would part 
with their lives before they would acknowledge the principles for which 
they contend. We say go your way, and we will go ours. The South 
leaves not like Hagar in the wilderness ; but he would tell them that in 
less than sixty days they would find a united South, standinc shoulder 
to shoulder. 

Senator Bayard of Delaware now announced his withdrawal from the 
Convention, and Senator Saulsbury of the same State, stated that 
he did not know what to do. 

Mr. Merrick of Illinois made a little speech. He said : 

"A Southern man. by birth — it is but three years since I parted 
from that Southern soil — and upon the tide f>f emigration sought my 
fortunes in the great North-west. Coming back here, and hoping to 
join in fraternal concord and mutual love with my Southern brethren of 
the Democratic party, I find, sir, star after star madly shooting from the 
great Democratic galaxy. Why is it, and what is to come of it? Does 
it presage that, hereafter, star after star will shoot from the galaxy of 
the Republic, and the American Union become a fragment, and a 
parcel of sectional republics?" * 

Points of order were raised. 

Mr. Russell of Virginia made a speech for that State. He said : 

" Hitherto the career of Virginia has been side by side with all her 
sister States, North, South, East and West, and beneath a banner on 
which every State has its star, as members of one coram(tn and united 
constellation ; but it must be known to this assembly that if indeed the 
hour shall ever come when the North and South must separate, the destiny 
of Virginia is with the South. [Loud cheers.] She will then have to 



68 

pay to tlie South, 'where thoii gocst T will go; thy people shall be my 
people, an<l thy God shall be Tiiy God.' [Great cheiriiig ] 

''But, ^ir, she will pause before she detcruiines that ihat event is in- 
evitable. Virginia stands in the midst of her sister States, in garments 
red with the blood of her children slain in the first outbreak of the 
'irreure.ssible conflict.' But, sir, not when her children fell at midnight 
beneath the weapon of the assassin, was her heart penetrated with so 
profound a grief as that which will wring it when she is obliged to 
choose between a sep^irate destiny with the South and her common des- 
tiny with the entire Kepublic." 

In conclusion, he stated Virginia wanted an opportunity for consulta- 
tion, and the Convention adjnunied. 

[So great is the interest felt in this day's proceedings, that I recapit- 
ulate to some extent, by inserting the descriptive letter below:] 

SCENES OF THE DAY DESCRIBED — HOW THE DISRUPTION HAPPENED. 

Charleston. S. C, ilunday vight, April 30. 
It was asserted, early in the sitting of the Convention, that it would 
be impo.-sible for the South to submit to Mr. Douglas as the nominee 
UDon a platform on which it would be possible for him to stand. The 
Douglas men at first laughed this to scorn. Presently they saw such 
indications of earnestness, that they paused and considered the matter, 
and became much more tolerant, and seemed willing to acquiesce in any 
sort of a platform, provided the South would allow the nomination of 
Douglas. The determination of the New York contest, and the adop- 
tion of a rule allowing individual delegates from uninstructed States to 
vote as they pleased, gave the friends of Mr. Douglas a majority in the 
Convention. They proceeded to use that majority, for the purpose 
of making sure of their game. They joined the ultra-Southern States 
in demanding the test fight upon the platform. It became apparent 
the moment the platform was taken into consideration that there were 
differences it would be impossible for honest men to accommodate. The 
Douglas men begged for a chance for ambiguity. Thoy craved and 
clamored for a false pretense. They begged to be allowed to cheat, and 
for the privilege of being cheated. Thry were particularly anxious for 
success. They were not so particular about principle. The South 
would stand fast for the great principle of constitutional rights as she 
understood it; and by her more ultra-representatives declared, that if 
by the bare numerical majority of votes, the Southern Plafform was 
rejected, and the Squatter Sovereignty Platform, or sotne dishonorable 
equivocation protruded, she would withdraw from the Convention. By 
this time the Douglas men had discovered, that whereas fhey had just 
about a majority, it would be impossible for them to obtain a two thirds 
vote in a fall Convention. They were willing, therefore, that a few 
ultra-Southern States might go out, and allow them to nominate their 
man. All at once they became veiy cheerful on the subject of a dis- 
ruption of the Convention. Thiy could go North and get two votes 
(electnral) for their nominee, for every Sduthern vote that would leave 
the Convention. Their game then was, to have three or four States, at 



69 

niost, go out. Thoy wanted a little eruption, but not, a great, one. On 
Fri(l;iy last it ap[)eaie(l thai if the majority insi.'^ted upon its auidiguous 
platfiirrn, tluTO wouM be a tremendous explosion. Even the Kentucky 
delegation had informally determined, only two of the delegate.? dissen- 
tin"', that if the exigeney arose, that Alabama & Co. must go out, 
Kentucky must go along. Douglas men were alarmed at the piosj)ect, 
and T^igler's ret^olution to recommit the platform to the committee, was 
carried against the Douglas forces, by a vote of 151 to 152. So the 
ficht went over until Saturday. 

The committee succeeded in modifying the reports, but not in chang- 
ing their essential character. Saturday was spent in the most tedious 
and tasteless, flat, stale, and unprofitable debate that it has ever been 
my misfortune to listen to. It was worse than when the House of Rep- 
resentatives resolves itself into a debating society, and fifth- rate mem- 
bers draw on each other and the people to the dismay of the galleries, 
reams of fook^^cap filled with ess; ys on the slavery question. After the 
flood of twaddle was stopped by the call for the previous question, the 
parlimentary fight was interesting, and made amends for the painful 
hours spent in listening to the drivel of inconsequential debate. The 
South filibustered to prevent a vote on the platform that night. The 
North was resolved to have a vote. After some hours spent in skir- 
mishing, as T have elsewhere described, the matter was compromised by 
disposing of the preliminary points, and agreeing to come to a fair vote 
' this morning. Yesterday there was a report current that the South, dis- 
covering the total impossibility of the nomination of Douglas while the 
Convention remained consolidated, his full strength having been shown, 
and amounting to a bare majority, would find some excuse for staying 
in the Convention even after the adoption of the minority report, and 
would slaughter Douglas under the two-thirds rule. The most talka- 
tive and raliid of the Douglas men swore that if this was done, they 
would repeal the two-thirds rule, and let the Convention explode if it 
wanted so to do. Last night it was reported, and I was told by South- 
ern men it was so, that the only State that would go out was Alabama- 
There was no possibility of preventing Yancey &r. Co. from going out, 
but the rest of them would stay in and slaughter Douglas. The par- 
tisans of the Little Giant looked blue at this. There were other re- 
ports afloat that were somewhat exciting. The rabid Douglasites wore 
alarmed at signs of discontent and shakiness in several of the North- 
western delegations. They said it had been discovered there was a par- 
cel of delegates to whom it would not do to trust the secrets of the 
Douglas party. Those fellows were leaky, and whenever the Conven- 
tion adjourned they were found together buzzing and busy as green flies. 
It was "known that SUdell & Co. were willing to buy all such fellows, 
and there was alarm in the camp of Douglas on the platform question. 
They were afraid the majority report would be adopted at lust. There 
were threats that if this was the case some of the Northwestern States 
would bolt. These threats were seriously made, too. And the North- 
western men had no hesitation in saying that they could not and would 
not fi^ht upon such a plutform. They would go home and fold their 
hands, and let those who believed in using all the powers of the Fed- 



70 

eral Government for the protection of slavery against the people of a 
Territory, do the work. This morning, however, it became apparent 
that the Douglas mjijority was firm, and the South desperate. It was 
not long before every observer saw that the long-looked for explosion 
was at hand. The South would not stay in the Convention, even to 
defeat Douglas, if the double-shufde platform were adopted. 

I shall not now trace all the twistings and turnings of the fight. Let 
it be suflicient to say thut, in the first place, the Cincinnati Platform by 
itself was voted down. 

The minority resolutions were then carried as a substitute for the ma- 
jority resolutions, by a vote of 165 to 138 — this 138 is the solid anti- 
Douglas strength. Now the question came on the adoption of the 
substituted report — the definite, irrevocable vote of the Convention upon 
the Douglas Platform, was divided into its substantive propositions. 
The resolution reaffirming the Cincinnati Platform, believing Demo- 
cratic principles to be unchangeable in their nature, was first voted upon, 
and it was carried by 237|^ to 65. There was a motion now made to 
lay all the rest of the report upon the table. This would have been 
simply the adoption of the Cincinnati Platform, and it was defeated, 
81 to 188. While this vote was being taken, Alabama, Mississippi and 
Arkan.^as withdrew their votes. Now the question arose upon the 
adoption of the Squatter Sovereignty part of the platform — that part 
wherein it is stated that, "inasmuch as differences of opinion exist in 
the Democratic party," it will abide by the Supreme Court. The Hon. 
Bedford Brown now saw the crisis. The political tornado was about to 
burst. The barometer indicated a sudden storm. Mr. Brown did not 
know it was too late to save the party, and the country attached thereto, 
and he made an appeal to gentlemen, as piteous, as solemn, as agoniz- 
ingly earnest, as ever a man offered up for his life, that the Convention 
should not pass that resolution, and thereby disrupt and destroy the 
Democratic party. He called upon gentlemen to pause upon the brink 
of the tremendous precipice upon which they stood, and to look into 
the gulf before they took the leap. 

jMr. Y'ancey caught my eye at this " solemn moment," as various 
gentloMien in the Convention insisted upon calling it, and he was smiling 
as a bridegroom. He had evidently made up his mind. He was not 
perplexed Ijy saucy doubts and fears. 

i\Ir. Stuart of Michigan wished to speak, but was put down by loud 
cries of " Order." 

Mr. William A. Richardson of Illinois wished to speak. As the 
crisis had arrived, and as llichardson is a great man for a crisis, and had 
withdrawn Douglas from the Cincinnati Convention, it was hoped that 
he had something to say which would relieve the party from its misery. 
There were cries of " Hear Richardson." A thrill of excitement 
passed around the hall, and every body leaned forward or stood up to 
see and hear the right-hand man of the Little Giant on the crisis. 
Richardson commenced with his usual hoarseness and solemnity, when 
Judge Meek of Alabama, a gentleman six feet eight inches in height, 
with a splonilid voice, arose and made a point of order against Stuart of 
Michigan, who still seemed, by standing in his place, to claim the floor. 



71 

Judge Meek's point of orrlei* caused another sensation. Presently tlio 
Judge's point of order was ruled not well taken, and silence was ob- 
tained, when John Cochrane of New York jumped up and called 
" Mis-/pr — Presi-niiNr !" and proceeded to urge that Richardson niijrht 
be heard. He believed Richardson was about to bring " peace-offer- 
ings." Every body knew there could not be any peace-offorings but 
the dead body of Douglas, and it was thought that would be a singular 
time to make an offering of the corpse of the Little Giant. The great 
crowds in the galleries heaved like big waves. They thought some- 
thing prodigious was about to occur. But no sooner had Ri'-hardson 
opened his mouth and commenced to speak of the delegation from Illi- 
nois, and its intention in appearing there, than Mr. Hooper of Missis- 
sippi olijected peremptorily, and insisted and persisted in calling Rich- 
ardson to order ; and by insisting upon his point of order, when ninety- 
nine out of every hundred persons were willing and anxious to hear 
Richardson, would not let him be heard. This was considered an act 
of discourtesy toward Mr. R. of the most flagrant character. A South- 
ern gentleman explained it to me this evening, by saying that the South 
was at that moment in a delicate position, and did not want any traps 
sprung. He also excused the seeming discourtesy, by speaking of 
Richardson's discourteous behavior toward Randall of Pennsylvania. 
And now ensued a most extraordinary scene. Instead of proceeding to 
put their explanatory resolution upon the Cincinnati Platform, stating 
that there were differences of opinion in the Democratic party, and re- 
ferring to the Courts for doctrine, the Douglasites were suddenly dis- 
covered in full retreat. 

The object of Richardson, in attempting to gain the floor, was then 
at once seen. He had desired to say, that Illinois and the North-west 
in general, had not been anxious to have any thing but the Cincinnati 
Platform, and would be content with that, if the others would. This 
was to have been his peace-offering — his olive-branch. As the Douglas 
men did not understand the movement, several delegations stood firm, 
and voted roundly for the adoption of the explanatoi-y resolution, ac- 
cording to the original programme. Most of the States passed the 
point, however, and consulted. New York retired from the hall to con- 
sult. It took some minutes for the new tactics of Richardson to get 
circulation, and in the mean time, as one delegation after another under- 
stood the point, the votes of States were counted, and finally, with a 
general rush, the only resolution having the slightest significance in the 
minority report, was stricken out. The Douglas army had retreated 
behind the position of Gen. Butler of Massachusetts. By a flank 
movement, they had placed themselves upon the Cincinnati Platform, 
pure and simple. 

Those who had no insight into things, thought at this moment that 
the dead point of danger was safely passed. The fact was (if we may 
change the figure somewhat materially from those hitherto used), the 
ship had struck the rock, and just as the passengers thought they were 
floating safely into deep water, the vessel was actually sinking. It was 
ominous that, from this time, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas, declined to vote. 



T2 

The Convention now prooeeclod, as if in earnest, to take the vote by 
States, on the several propotiitions tacked to ihe fail of the explanatory res- 
olution, f (»rii wtiicii ihi.s hail 1 een sevt red. These propositions were about 
protecting foreigners, and huilding a Pacific. Kaihoad, and acquiring Cuba 
"on fernis honorable to ourselves and just to Spain," etc.; and the vote was 
unaiiinKius in all ca.-es excepting that regarding the Pacific Railroad, 
and nearly so in that case — the Gulf States still refusing to vote. 
There were several attempts during the reading of the poor clap-trap 
resolutions (the substance of all of which was in the Cincinnati Platform 
already) to get up a show of enthusiasm. The failures in each case 
were extremely dreary. The Convention was under the fmwn of King 
Cotton, and his displeasure was upon it like a blight or deadly night- 
shade. And now the platform was constructed as it stands, the most 
uncouth, disjonted, illogical, confused, cowardly and contemptible 
thing in the history of platforms, mean and cowardly as they have been 
from the beginning. Mr. Stuart of Michigan moved a reconsideration 
of the vote, and proceeded to speak upon it. He was evidently labor- 
ing under the impression that he was full of a very poweiful speech. 
When he undeitook to find it, however, he discovered his mistake, and 
fioon got into the old rut about the gallant and glorious North-west, and 
how Wonderfully the Northern Democracy had stood up for the South, 
and had fought, bled and died for the South — and he seemed to" re- 
proach the South with inconsistency, and with having demanded of the 
Nurchern Democracy more than they could bear. He stated that Mr. 
Yancey had admitted that the South had asked new guarantees of 
Southern safety from the Northern Democracy. Yancey corrected him. 
He had not made such admission. He had simply contended for the 
Southern construction of the Cincinnati Platform, and repudiated am- 
biguity. Stuart was getting into hot water at every plunge, and his 
fine round bald head glowed liice the full moon, as he was making mat- 
ters worse. Stuart is one of the best parliamentarians in the country, 
and a man of fine intellect, and he would, in spite of the thinness of 
his hair, be a handsome man, if it were not for his nose, which is 
wretchedly broken down, and gives him a P. R. sort of appearance. 

Senator Saulsbury of Delaware was greatly concerned. He still 
hoped to save the Democratic party. He still hoped to prevent the 
dire combustion and ruin from breaking forth and consuming the pre- 
cious old part)' — legacy from our fathers, and so forth. Mr. Saulsbury 
ru.shed in to save the country — that is, he stood upright in his chair. 
He is a very well-looking man — fine, intellectual face, brilliant eyes, 
and a vast assortment of black hair. He had forgotten his hair, and 
in the confusion and excitement of the moment it hung all over his 
forehead and into his eyes. He made an appeal to the patriotism of 
Stuart to desist, as he was manifestly stirring the waters of bitterness. 
Three or four gentlemen were anxious to reply to Mr. Stuart. Ran- 
dall of Penn.sylvania wished to do something grand, gloomy, and pecu- 
liar, in showing up the fallacy of the statement that the Nortbern De- 
mocracy had ever been committed to Squatter Sovereignty. 

Mr. Randall is a short, stout old gentleman with a round and wrin- 
kled sort of head, while his features habitually express the most fierce 



73 

discontent. Stuart finally retired from the y)latform, having done a 
very inflaiiiniMtory tiiiriii;, and being toleralily well informed of tlie fact. 

And now coiunienced the regular stampede. Alabama led the South- 
ern column. Mr. Walker of that State, a tall, slender, pale gentle- 
man, able in controversy and graceful in movement, called the atten- 
tion of the house to a communication from the State of Alabama, 
which he proposed to read from the clerk's desk. There v^'as a shudder 
of excitement, an universal stir over the house, and then for the first 
time during the day, profound stillness. Mr. W. pr )ceeded to give the 
reasons which had influenced Alabama to retire from the (yoiivention at 
that point. They were, first, the instructions of the Alabama Conven- 
tion ; second, the conviction the delegation felt that it was its duty to 
retire, as justice had not been done the South. When he concluded, 
which he did by stating that there could not thereafter be any represen- 
tation from the Srate of Alabama in that Convention, the dcdegation left 
their seats and made their way to various points, where they took posi- 
tion as spectators. Mississippi went next, with less formal ty but more 
vim. Her declarations of the manner in which the Nonheru Democra- 
cy had been found wanting, and of her purposes, were exceedingly ex- 
plicit. T'le Northern Democracy had been found anxious to dodge the 
issues before the country. That would never do for Missis.-ippi. She 
cast her fortunes with those of her si.-ter State, Alabama. Mr. Glenn 
of Mississippi mounted a chair, and facing the Ohio delegation, which 
sat directly behind Mississippi, made one of the most impassioned and 
thrilling twenty-minute speeches to which I have ever listened. It was 
evident that every word was from his deepest convictions. He was pale 
as ashes, and his eyes rolled and glared, as he told the gentlemen from 
Ohio how far they were from doing their duty now, and how kindly he 
felt toward them, and how they would have to take position yet upon 
the high ground of the South, or it would be all in vain that they would 
attempt to arrest the march of Black llepublicanism. For the present, 
they must go their ways, and the South must go her ways. He declared, 
too, with piercing emphasis, that in less than sixty days there would be 
an United South ; and at this declaration there was the most enthusias- 
tic shouting yet heard in the Convention. The South Carolinians 
cheered loud and long, and the tempest of applause made the circuit of 
the galleries and the floor several times before it subsided. There was 
a large number of ladies present, and they favored the secessionists with 
their sweetest smiles, and with nods and glances of approval, a delight- 
ed fluttering of fans and parasols, and even occasional clapping of hands. 

The Alabamians and Mississippians were standing in the aisles and 
getting away from their seats, and as the spokesman of Mississippi con- 
cluded what he had to say, Alexander Mouton of Louisiana, and Col. 
Simmons of South Carolina — the Loulsianian a thick-set, gray-haired 
gentleman, with French manners and accent ; and the Carolinian a tall 
gentleman, of commanding presence — were claiming the floor, each to 
give warning that his State was going. The Louisianian took prece- 
dence, and made a plain, blunt speech, charging upon the Northern 
Douglasites a disposition to shirk and to dodge under ambiguities which 
would be dishonorable. 



74 

He dwelt upon tbe platform which had been adopted in terms of 
withering contempt, and said " that was not the way to fight the Black 
Republicans." lie made a very decided impression, and called down 
rapturous jipi)l;iuse from the swarming galleries. As he spoke he was 
facino' the Oliio dtdegation, and within a few feet of them, and seemed 
to be addressing his remarks particularly to them. "Gov." Payne 
turned his head over upon his left shoulder, and once or twice made a 
sorrowful effort to laugh, that would have brought tears to the eyes of 
a tender-hearted and sympathizing friend, it was so hopeless and forlorn. 

Colonel Simmons of South Carolina now spoke for that State in a 
quiet, dignified manner, and presented the reasons for the withdrawal 
of the State to the Convention. The secession of South Carolina drew 
down another tempest of approbation. All the delegates from that 
State (sixteen) had put their jiames to the paper with the exception of 
three. Several of them, nearly all perhaps, did not like to do it, but 
it would be political perdition in South Carolina to those who, profess- 
ing to represent her, should fail to join in a secession movement. Flor- 
ida was the next to go, and then Arkansas. In the delegation of the 
latter State there had been a dispute, but the majority were for going 
out. And so they did, each delegation forbidding unautliorized persons 
to fill their places. Merritt of Illinois now obtained the floor, and pro- 
ceeded to make an appeal. He wanted to try the effect of elo(|uence 
upon the secessionii-ts. He was becoming very red in the face, and 
was almost launching away into the empyrean, when he was cut short 
by several delegates, who did not want to hear eloquence, and the chair- 
man of the Georgia delegation said Georgia wished to retire, to consult. 
Leave was granted — and now Virginia, through her spokesman, wanted 
time for consultation also. Georgia and Virginia expressed the deepest 
sympathy for their Southern brethreti. Their destiny was with the 
South forever. The Southern feeling ran high, and it seemed that 
public opinion was about to enforce, as the test of loyalty to the South, 
secession from the Convention. A large number of gentlemen in the 
hall looked absolutely frightened. They considered themselves looking 
upon a spectacle of prodigious significance, and some were muttering 
with white lips that the hour of revolution was at hand. And there 
were Neros about, too, who thought the whole matter an extensive joke, 
and insisted upon calling attention to the ridiculous points. 

In the course of the disruption, notice was given that all who sym- 
pathized with the movement should meet at St. Andrew's Hall at seven 
o'clock in the evening. 

When the Convention adjourned, the people stood in groups on the 
corners, and even in the middle of the streets. The outside pressure 
was for the seceders, and Southern feeling runs' high. It is now be- 
lieved that nearly the whole South will go out, and that there may be 
an attempt made to organize two " National Democratic " parties. I 
presv me this will be done. The Douglas men are swearing vengeance 
to-ni;ht not loud but deep, and the North-western States say they will 
Udmii.ate him if they have to do it themselves. 



75 



THE NIGHT AFTER THE DISRUPTION. 

Charleston, S. C. Tuesday, May 1st. 

Last night, after completino; a letter giving an account of the explo- 
sion of the Convention, I walked in the direction of the Southern mass 
meeting. 

The night was beautiful with moonlight, which silvered the live oaks 
along Meeting street, and made the plastered fronts of the old houses 
gleam like marble. The hour was eleven, and a stranger, unacquainted 
with the condition of affairs, would not have been long in discovering 
that there was something extraordinary afloat. People hurried by, 
looking excited and solicitous. There were still groups about the cor- 
ners, and the conversations were full of animation. Presently I heard 
a band of music and the shouts of a multitude. Hurrying past the 
Mills House and Magnolia Hall, where the Douglasites had congregated 
in the days of their glory, but which now looked dark and deserted, -I 
soon came upon a street full of people in front of the Court House, 
and heard a thousand throats call for "Yancey!" "Yancey!" I 
was just too late to hear«Lamar of Mississippi, one of the best speakers 
in the South. He had concluded a speech of an hour and a half, in 
which he had analyzed the record of Douglas on Squatter Sovereignty, 
and with contemptuous fury spurned the pretension that Douglas had 
been consistent. He followed Douglas in all his turnings and doublings 
remorselessly as the hounds follow the fox, and when he had snapped 
him at last in the fanged jaws of his logic and fact, he worried him 
without mercy. 

Mr. Yancey appeared, and was proud and happy to see the South 
taking so proud a position in favor of her constitutional rights. He 
spoke of the seceding delegates as about to form the "Constitutional 
Democratic Convention," and the delegates who remained, as compos- 
ing the "Rump Convention." He said this Rump Convention would 
speedily be in fact a Sectional Convention, and would represent only a 
faction of the Free Soil sentiment of the North. He said the South 
must come up as a unit, and vindicate its constitutional rights. Every 
ultra sentiment was applauded with mad enthusiasm. Yancey said 
that, perhaps even now, the pen of the historian was nibbed to write 
the story of a new Revolution. At this, some one of the crowd cried 
"three cheers for the Independent Southern Republic." They were 
given with a will. 

Yancey closed by saying he would reserve his powers for such service 
as he might be able to render the South in the Constitutional Demo- 
cratic Convention which would meet in St. Andrew's Hall. After Yan- 
cey, Mr. Hooker of Mississippi spoke, and made a flaming fire-eating 
harangue. When he concluded, the music and crowd proceeded 
to the Mercury ofiice, and called out Mr. Rhett, the editor. Thence it 
moved to the head-quarters of the Louisiana Convention, and heard a 
couple of speeches, which were received with enthusiasm. The next 
move was to the Mills House, where Fernando Wood was called out, 
and that silver-tongued and smiling gentleman made a " Constitution- 
al " speech. 



76 

There was a Fourth of July feeling in Charleston last night, — a jn- 
bilee. There was no nur-taking the public senlinient of the city. It 
was overwhfliiiiiigly and enthusiastically in favor of the seceders. In 
all her history (Charleston had never enjoyed herself so hugely. The 
Dougla-< men look badly this morning, as though they had been trou- 
bled duiing the night with bad diean)S. Some of them arc as jolly as 
Mark Tapleys, and deserve tliat "credit for being jolly " under adverse 
circumstances, which distinguished that pliilosopher. The disiuption is 
too serious for tliem. They would have been happy if a couple of Gulf 
States had gone out and left them with the rest, and the votes to nomi- 
nate Douglas, and all the prestige of regularity. But they see now 
that their party is rent v.s Keitt was going to rend the Union, " from 
turret to foundation-stone." 

The Douglasites find themselves in the position of a semi-Free Soil, 
sectional party, and the poor fellows take it hard. The bitter cup 
which they have &o often pressed upon the Republicans is now thrust 
upon them. They are denominated by the ultra-South scctionalists, 
and are accused of cleaving unto heresies as bad as Scwardism, — of 
being Frank IJlair Piepublicans at heart. They are told, too, that they 
have no principles, but are devoted unto death to a man and the spoils. 



EIGHTH DAY, 



Convention opened with a solemn prayer for harmony. Gen. 
Gushing looked troubled, but some one had covered his desk with flow- 
ers, and he regaled himself by thrusting his pale nose into the red 
roses- 
Business commenced ominously. 

Mr. Benning of Georgia announced the result of the consultation of 
that State. It was the adoption, by a majority of the delegation, of the 
following resolution : 

Resolved, That upon the openinjj of the Convention this morning ourcliairman 
be re(iuesttd to state to the I'rcsideut that the Georgia delegation, after mature 
deliberation, have felt it to be their duty, under e.xisting cii'cumsiauces, not to 
participate further in tiie deliberations of the Couveutiou, and that, therefore, 
the delegation w ilhdraw. 

Twenty-six out of thirty-four Georgia delegates then retired from the 
hall. 

A majority of the Arkansas delegation announced their deliberate 
determination formally to retire; and retired. 

The Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Maryland delegations 
retired to consult. 

Solomon Cohen of Savannah, Ga., who remained in the Convention, 
made a speech ultra-Southern in tone. But he could not then leave the 
Convention, until the last straw had broken the camel's back. He 
was with the seceders in sentiment, and they were earnest in action, 
and would be united. The South would stand together. The sub- 



77 

stance of his speech was a warning to the Doun;l;isitos not to put Doug- 
las in nomination and make the breach irrecom-ilalile. 

He said : "I charge my Northern fViuiids — and I yet love to call 
them so — be not deceived. The feelings which have prompted me to 
remain in this Convention, are, I trust, high and lioly. I am prepared 
to stay here in the hope — and I trust in God it may not prove a fruit- 
less one — tliat the spirit of our ancestors, that the s|)irit of brotherly 
love, that the spiiit of concord and patriotism, wiiich hovered over those 
who framed the Constitution of the country, may hover over and rest 
amongst and upon us. Be not deceived, I repeat, for in heart and in 
principle I am with those who have retired from the Convention. Yet 
I have deemed it my duty to remain among you, and to mingle in your 
deliberations, with the hope that the cup of conciliation may not be 
drained to the dregs. 

" You have perhaps supposed that the South are not in earnest. You 
have perhaps cause for the supposition, in the fact that a portion of the 
delegation remain here in this Convention, that Georgia is not a unit 
upon this question. Gentlemen, I have been engaged in many contro- 
versies in two States, in which my lot has been cast in diffi^rent periods 
of my life ; and the only question that has ever divided the people of 
the South, as far as I have seen, is simply the question of time. 

" I will stay here until the last feather lie placed upon the back of 
the camel — I will stay until crushed and broken in spirit, humiliated 
by feeling and knowing that I have no longer a voice in the counsels of 
the Democracy of the Union — feeling that the Southern States are as a 
mere cipher in your estimation — that all her rights are trampled under 
foot; and I say here that I shall then be found shoulder to shoulder 
with him who is foremost in this contest." 

All of which was understood to mean — never, never nominate Doug- 
las, or all things dire will happen. 

Maj. Flournoy then begged to be indulged in one remark. He was 
opposed to giving up the ship. The following is one of his paragraphs : 
" Mr. President, I am a Southern man. Yes, sir, I have been reared 
amidst the institution. All I have is the product of slave labor. I 
believe the institution a patriarchal one, and beneficial alike to master 
and slave. The bread which supports my own wite and tender babe, 
is the product of slave labor. I trust then that, like Cajsar's wife, I 
am ' above suspicion.' " 

Mr. Gaulden, the slave-trader of Savannah, gave his reasons for re- 
maining in the Convention : 

He was a slavery-extension, slave-trade man. He believed the insti- 
tution to be right, socially, politically, morally and religiously. He 
believed that, if the institution of slavery were to be aboli.>lied, civiliza- 
tion would go back two hundred yeais. The prohibition of the slave- 
trade had put an end to all hope of extending the area of slavery at the 
present time. There was but one remedy at present for the evils the 
South complained of, and that was, to reopen the African slave-trade. 
[Cheers and loud laughter.] In this he looked to the Nurthern Dtmoo- 
racy to ad ihem. [Renewed laugiiter and ch'crs.] • 

He told his lellow- Democrats that the African sla.etrade man is the 



78, 

Union man — the true Christran man. He told them that the slave- 
trade of Virginia was more inhuman, more unchristian, in every point 
of view, than the African slave-trade ; for the African slave-trader goes 
to a heathen land, and brings the savage here, and Christianizes and 
moralizes him, and sends him down to posterity a happy man. [Cheers 
and loud laughter.] 

Mr. Reed of Indiana. I am with you. I favor it. 

Mr. Gaulden. Good. Then he would put him down for one. He 
declared that the Virginia slave-trader, who tore a slave family asunder 
from those ties which cluster around civilization, whether it be the slave 
or the free man, was far more open to rebuke than the man who brought 
the African from a land where he has no ties of country or family 
around him. 

He desired not to be discourteous to Virginia ; but, with all deference 
to the State, he believed they were influenced more than they ought to 
be by the almighty dollar. He had himself purchased some slaves in 
Virginia, and had to pay from one tliousand to twelve hundred dollars, 
while he could buy a better nigger in Africa for fifty dollars. [Loud 
laughter and great applause.] Now, if any of his friends from the 
North would go down to his plantation in Georgia — it was not far from 
here, and he hoped many of them would — he would show them negroes 
he had purchased in Virginia, in Georgia, in Alabama, in Louisiana, 
and he would also show them the native African, the noblest Roman of 
them all. [Shouts of laughter and applause repeated round after 
round.] 

The applause and laughter on the floor, during this gentleman's 
speech, were overpowering. He was in deadly earnest, and talked with 
no little force of expression. He is a tall, hatchet-faced man, with 
brown complexion, high nose, great eyes, thin, straggling, black beard 
and black hair. His personal appearance is much like that of Edo-er- 
tou, M. C, of Ohio. ° 

Mr. McCook of Ohio moved the adoption of the following resolution : 

Resolved. That this Convention will proceed at 2 P. M. of this day, hy a call 
of the States, to nominate a candidate for President, and immediately thereafter, 
to nomiuate a candidate for the Vice-Presidency of the United States. 

Mr. RafFerty of New Jersey, on the part of his delegation, presented 
a protest against the vote of the house, overruling the decision of the 
chair, on the controversy respecting the easting of the vote of that 
Slate. 

The condition of affairs here and now — Charleston, May 1st, twelve 
o'clock — is as follows : The seceding Southerners are just calling their 
Constitutional Democratic Convention to order, at St. Andrew's Hall. 
A row is in progress in this hall among the California delegates. At 
this moment, three of them are at sword's points, bickering as to what 
shall be done and who shall speak the voice of the State. John Coch- 
rane of New York is anxious to make a speech. Mr. McCook of Ohio 
wants to force a motion to come to a ballot for a candidate for the Pres- 
idency at two o'clock. Half a dozen Southern delegations are out 
consultiTig, trying to find where they are to go. 



79 

One of the Californians obtains full possession of the floor, and pro- 
ceeds to pour liot shot into the Popular Sovoreii^nty camp. He charged 
those who liad supported the minority platform, with truckling to Black 
Republicanism. A Connecticut delegate (Gallagher) springs up, white 
with rage, and black hair flying in his eyes, ami raises a que.'-tion of 
order, that the gentleman from California has no right to slander tlie 
Democracy of Connecticut. He made the point of order, too, that the 
Californian had no business to stand up and, as with a lash, to belather 
the men of the North. 

California has great happiness in finding that the cap fits the gentle- 
man from Connecticut. He proceeds to say that the South has been 
maltreated in the confederacy, and says that if the aggressions of the 
North continue, and the Union should be dissolved, the Pacific States 
have, thank God, the domain upon which to build up a splendid empire 
of their own. He 'Concludes by grossly insulting a gentleman fiom 
Missouri. This Californian seems eager to vary the exeroi.'^es by a 
fight. He looks and talks as if nothing would agree with his stomach 
so well as a bowie-knife encounter. The insulted Missourian proceeds 
to make a speech. He would not sit in a Convention where his motives 
were called in question. The chair had not heard the insult, or he 
would have called the Californian to order. Missouri proceeded to give 
forth a doleful sound about the disrupted Democracy. His lamentations 
were grievous as tho.se of Jeremiah, but not so eloquent or poetic. A 
tall, black-bearded, ferocious looking Californian gets up, and makes 
the most amiable speech ever heard, rebuking, in the mildest and kindest 
terms, his ill-mannered and insolent colleague. McCook of Ohio jumps 
up and wants to press a vote on the Presidency. John Cochrane wants 
to speak ; but objections are raised, and John can't speak. Seward of 
Georgia wants to explain his position. After a while, he obtains unan- 
imous consent to go on, and proceeds to tell what he thought of the un- 
derstanding between the North and South in the Kansas and Nebraska 
fight — all of which he ^aw, and part of which he was, as a member of 
Congress from the State of Georgia. As this letter closes, Seward is 
making a strong popular sovereignty speech, which is oil upon the fev- 
erish wounds of the poor Northern Democrats. He is going home to 
Georgia to state the case to the people of that State. And now a North 
Carolinian gets up and encourages the Douglasites, by telling them he 
is not going out. 

Mr. Richardson of Illinois tried to speak comfortably to the people. 

Mr. Perry of South Carolina, one of the fragments that remained, 
rose to speak, and was greeted by a storm of hisses from the galleries. 
Mr. Perry begged the North, making the appeal in the most earnest 
and pathetic manner, simply to give up the point of controversy. He as- 
sured the Northerners that they were wrong, and should give up for the 
sake of harmony. The Charleston Courier reports him as saying : He 
deeply regretted the schisms that had been going nn. He represented, 
with his friend, Col. Boozer, only one vote, and if the South all retired, 
it would be folly for them to remain ; so he besought the Convention 
to give some boon to the South. So far as any practical good could be 
accomplished, it was a mere abstraction ; no issue could arise under it, 



8^ 

for no slaveholder would go into Territories unfit for slave labor, whea 
it was hure to liocume a tree State upon entering the Union. He beg- 
ged the North to cuusider these things;, and to do all in its power to heal 
the unhup[»y differences that had arisen. 

Mr. llo.vaid of Tennesste had been instructed to ask of the Con- 
ventidn llic rnognitiun of Congressional piotectiun. The gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. lliuhardsonj suid that his honur and manliui'd forbid 
bini from retreating from his position. Was his honor, was his mauhoud, 
only dependent upon a disregard of conslitutiunal righlsV He read, 
on the [lurt of Tennessee and tier sister State of Kentucky, which stood 
between the two extrenies of the country, the following resolution, which 
he believed would reunite the North and the South, and was the ulti- 
matum of the South : 

Re-iolved. Tiiat all the citizens of the United States have an equal right to set- 
tle, with ilicir properly, in the IVrritories of the United States, uud tiiat, under 
the decisions ot the Supreme Court of the United Slates, which we recognize as 
a correct exposition ol the Coii^litutiou of the Uiited States, neither then- rights 
of person nor properly cau be destroyed or unpaired by (Jongressioiial or Ter- 
ritorial legislation. 

He also presented a resolution, declaring that on the ballot for Pres- 
ident and Vice-President, no person should be declared to be nomina- 
ted who did not receive two-thirds of all the votes the full Convention 
was entitled to cast. 

Mr. Richardson of Hlinois took the floor, when the chair reminded 
him that ihe dehate was not in order. 

iMr. Ptus.-ell of Virginia said the delegation of that State believed, so 
far as the plutfomi is concerned, the resolution read by the gentlemaa 
from Tennessee formed a reasonable basis f)r a unimi of the Ncnth 
and South. It affiims the decision in the Supreme Court, in the Dred 
Scott case, and goes no further. So far as the second resolution was 
concerned, relaiiug to the selection of a candidate for the Ple^idencJ, 
they believed that if the selection of a candidate was made, national in 
its character, the South would support them, no matter what the action 
of delegates might be. It might he suspected that, the resolution was 
aimed ai one particular candidate. It was not so. Virginia only de- 
sired to receive the nationality of the nomination. The South would 
only be lepicsented negiitively in the choice, for her absent votes could 
not be counted in the affirmative for any candidate. They believed, 
too, that the true interpretation of the rule would require the votes of 
two-thirds of the representation to nominate, and not two thirds of those 
present, alone. Unless the resolution he offered should be adopted, he 
was not in.^iructed to cast the vote of Virginia on any question at pres- 
ent in this Convention. 

Mr. Howard of Tennessee disclaimed any intention in his remarks to 
be threatening. 

Mr. Caldwell of Kentucky said : When the delegation had retired 
for consuhaiior), and had declared that the adoption of the resolution 
read liy the gentleman from Tennessee, would be acceptaltle to Ken- 
tucky, and would, they believe, bring ijaek those who had left the Con- 
vention, il,e Kentucky delegation had also taken action ou the two-thirds 



81 

rule, and had decided that the proper constraction of the two-thirds rule 
was, that it required two-thirds of the vote of the Electoral College to 
elect. 

A motion was made to adjourn, and upon it the vote was taken by 
States. 

When Georgia was called, Mr. Cohen, of that State, said ten dele- 
gates remained, and they claimed to have power to east the vote of the 
State. The chair decided that the minority had no right to cast the vote 
of the State. 

Mr. Holden of Tennessee appealed from the decision of the chair. 
He said : Whoin the Gods would destroy they first make mad. The 
decision of the chair is mofct suicidal and destructive. It destroyed the 
rights of the State. 

The decision of the chair was sustained — 148 ayes to 100 nays. 

The previous question on the motion of Mr. Howard was seconded. 
The motion to adjourn, on which the vote by States had been called, 
was lost — 92 ayes to 158 najs. Convention, after skirmishing, ad- 
journed until 5 o'clock P. M. 

AFTERNOON SESSION. 

Mr. Howard rose to a privileged question, and moved to take up his 
resolution. The chair said it was not a privileged question. 

Mr. Howard. Then I will state it as a privileged question. 

Mr. llussell of Virginia wished to state that the decision which the 
chair makes on this question now, will decide whether Virginia will 
longer partake in the proceedings of the Convention. 

Mr. Howard said the time fixed by Mr. McCook's resolution to bal- 
lot for a candidate for President had long since passed, and that the 
resolution was not, therefore, in order. The chair decided that the time 
named in the resolution would not affect its passage. 

The question, shall the main question be now put, was then put, 
and the motion carried by the following vote : 

States. Yeas. Nays. States. Yeas. Nays. 

Maine 5 3 Mississippi 

New Hampshire 5 Texas 

Vermont 5 Arkansas 1 

Massaclmsetts 6 7 Missouri Ak H 

Rhode Island 4 Tennessee 1 U 

Connecticut 31 2^ Kentucky 12 

New York 35 Ohio 23 

New Jersey 7 Indiana 13 

Pennsylvania 9^ Ifij Illinois U 

Delaware 2 Michigan 6 

Maryland 3 5 Wisconsin 5 

Virginia 15 Iowa 4 

North Carolina 10 Minnesota 2^ 1^ 

South Carolina ... California 4 

Geortiia Oregon 3 

Florida 

Alabama 149 102 

Louisiana , .... 

Mr. Ludlow, before the vote of New York was cast, inquired of the 
chair if he uadeislood that the question of privilege on the meaning 
6 



82 

and effect of tlio two-thirda rule, would be decided before the question 
was put on the resolution. 

Tlio President. It will be so decided. 

The propo-sition of Mr. Howard, declaring tbat the President would 
uot declare any candidate elected who did not receive two-thirds of the 
vote of the Electoral College, was then brought forward as a question 
of privilege. 

Mr. Howard said he would use no argument to enforce this on the 
committee, but would leave it at once to a decision of the chair. 

The chair is of opinion that this proposition of the State of Tennes- 
see, involving the question as to how the chair will decide the vote on 
the election of the candidate for the Presidency, is in order. 

Mr. Ftichardson. On that, I appeal from the decision of the chair, 
and call the vote by States. 

After some discussion, Mr. Richardson withdrew his appeal, and 
moved to lay the resolution of the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. 
Howard) on the table. 

The vote was taken by States, and the motion to lay on the table lost : 

Slates. Yeas. Nays. States. Yeas. Nays. 

Maiae 5 3 Mississippi 

NewHampRhire 5 Texas 

Vermont 5 Arkansas 1 

Mas.sachu8etts 4^ 8^ Missouri 4J 4J 

Rliode Islaud 4 Tennessee 1 11 

Couuccticut 3^ 2J Keutucliy 12 

New Yorii 35 Ohio 23 

New Jersey l\ bk Indiana 13 

Pcansylvania 10 16g Illinois 11 

Delaware 2 Michigan 6 

Maryland 2 6 Wiscousia 5 

Virginia 15 Iowa 4 

North Carolina 10 Minnesota 2^ 1^- 

Soulh Carolina California 4 

Georgia Oregon 3 

Florida 

Alabama IIU 141 

Ijouisiana 

The question then being on Mr. Howard's resolution, Mr. Stuart of 
Michigan raised the point of order that the effect of the resolution was 
to change the rule of the Convention, and must lie over. He read the 
rule, which was that " two-thirds of the votes given " should be neces- 
sary to nominate. He declared language could not be more explicit. 

Mr. Howard said a case in point had arisen in 1844, when the New 
York delegates were excluded from the Convention. The decision then 
WJis tbat it required two-thirds of the electoral vote to elect. 

The President said the rule of the Convention of 1852 was in sub- 
stance as the gentleman had stated. It was true a rigid construction of 
the rule would seem to be that it alluded to the votes cast on the ballot 
in this Convention. But the words are, "Two-thirds of the votes given 
in this Convention." 

The gentleman further argues the inconvenience that would arise 
from the voluntary absence of one-third of the Convention, so as to 
prevent a nomination. This Convention has no legal authority — its au- 
thority is only of a moral character. 



The gentleman bad remarked on the inconvenience that might be ex- 
perienced by a Convention assuming that a third of the delegates should 
withdraw and»prevent a nomination ; but it would be a still greater in- 
convenience should a small minority of a Convention be enabled to 
force a nomination on the people of the United States. The nomina- 
tion of a Convention is only a recommendation to the people of the 
country, but in the judgment of the chair, the consideration of con- 
venience and inconvenience would, if taken into the question at all, re- 
quire that the act of the Convention should be the act of all the States 
of the Union. 

The chair is not of opinion that the words of the rule apply to the 
votes cast for the candidate, but to the votes that are cast here, in this 
Convention, or two-thirds of all the votes to be cast by the Convention. 
So the chair is of opinion that the resolution of Mr. Howard of Ten- 
nessee contemplates no change or modification of the rules of the 
house. Another reason is, that it is not competent for the chair to 
construe a rule, when it is proposed by a vote of the house to decide 
its construction. The effect of the resolution of the gentleman from 
Tennessee, if adopted, will be to direct the President that in the votes 
to be cast under his inspection, he shall make only such a decision as 
to the nomination as the resolution dictates. The resolution of the 
gentleman from Tennessee is, therefore, in order. 

Mr. Stuart of Michigan trusted that it was not necessary for him to 
disclaim any discourtesy to the chair, when he appealed from this de- 
cision, and he would only say that the construction of the chair, that 
the words " the votes given here " were meant to apply to all the votes 
cast by the Convention, could never receive the sanction of logic. 

Several delegations having asked leave to retire for consultation, de- 
sired that the chair would state, before they retired, the exact position 
of the question. 

There was intense excitement and great confusion in the hall. 

The chair explained that the question was upon the appeal from the 
decision, that the resolution of Mr. Howard did not change the rules, 
and was, therefore, in order. 

The vote was announced as follows : 

States. Yeas. Nays. Stales. Yex/s. Nays. 

Maine ... 3 5 Mississippi 

New Hampshire 1 4 Texas 

Vermont 5 Arkansas 

Massachu.gett.? b\ 3^ Missouri Ai 4.] 

Rhode Island 4 Tennessee 11 l" 

Connecticut 24 '6 Kentucky lU •> 

New York 35 Ohio...'. o" fi 

New Jersey 5] 1^ Indiana lo 

Pennsylvania 17i 9^ Illinois 11 

Delaware 2 Michigan 6 

Maryland 6 2 Wisconsin 5 

Virginia L) Iowa 4 

North Carolina 10 Minnesota 1 2^ 

South Carolina 1 California.... 4 

Georgia Oregon 3 

Florida 

Alabama 144 108 

Louisiana 



84 

Jlr. Sturirt moved to anaend the resolution by adding : And that 
every person who casts a vote binds himself hereby to vote for the can- 
didate rioinirvated. » 

Mr. Howard. I ask by what right the gentleman makes himself a 
keeper oF the consciences of his peers. 

JMr. Butler of Massachusetts raised the po'nt of order that the 
amendment was not germane to the original resolution. He moved the 
previous question. 

Mr. Rustell of Virginia siaid that if Virginia remained in a Conven- 
tion, her honor bound her to abide by its decisions. [Applause.] 

After further discussion, the chair decided that the amendment of 
Mr. Stuart was not germane to the original resolution, and hence, was 
not in order. 

The previous question was then ordered, and the vote being called 
by States, Mr. Howard's resolution was adopted by the following vote : 

Siaies, i'eas. Nays. States. Yeas. Nay^. 

Maine 3 5 Mississippi 

New Hampsliire 5 Texas 

Vermont 6 Arkansas 1 

Massachusetts ^ ik Missouri 2^ 2k 

Rhode Island 4 Tennessee 11 1 

Connecticut 2^^ 3k Kentucky 11 1 

New York 35" Ohio 23 

New Jersey 5J IJ Indiana 13 

Pennsylvaijia Hj 9^ Illinois 11 

Delaware 2 Michigan 6 

Maryland C 2 Wisconsin 5 

Virginia 15 Iowa 4 

North Carolina 10 Minnesota U 2^ 

South Carolina 1 California 4 

Georgia Oregon 3 

Florida 

Alabama 141 112 

Louisiana.... 

Mr. Bio'ler moved to reconsider the vote and that the motion be laid 
on the table. The vote of New York was decisive on this question. 
Balloting for a candidate for the oflBce of President of the United 
States was now in order. Mr. King of Missouri nominated Stephen 
A. Douglas. Mr. Caldwell of Kentucky nominated " the favorite son 
and incorruptible statesman of Kentucky," James Guthrie. Mr. Pat- 
rick of California nominuted Daniel S. Dickinson. Mr. Russell of Vir- 
ginia nominated It. M. T. Hunter. Mr. Ewing of Tennessee nomi- 
nated An Irew Johnson. Mr. Stevens of Oregon nominuted Joe Lane. 

After the vote of New York had decided that it was impossible to 
nominate Douglas, she proceeded, the roll of States being called, to 
vote lor him as demurely as if she meant it. 

The first ballot for the nomination of a candidate for the Presidency, 
was taken about dusk, amid the most profound silence. When the 
name of Douglas was put in nomination, a feeble yelp went up from 
the North-western delegations. It was not hearty and strong, but thin 
and spiritless. There was no hopefulness in it, but something of defi- 
ance. It was as much as to say, " Well, if we cau't nominate him, you 
cannot nominate auy body else." 



85 



The spnlcesmen of the North-western delegations tried to make their 
votes for Douglas impressive, but it was a failure. They said ao many 
votes for "Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois," but it would not do. 
They were overhung now by a cloud of South Carolinians in the gal- 
leries, and the cold steel of the new construction of the two-thirds rule 
had pierced their vitals. The North-western delegations, commencing 
with Ohio, had always, until now, produced something of an effect, 
voting in solid column, according to the direction on the Douglas pro- 
gramme. But McCook of Ohio failed to give any rotundity to the 
vote, "twenty-three votes for Stephen A. Douglas." Gavit of Indi- 
ana ripped out the vote of that State, and glared round with the air of 
an assassin. He looked as if he would cut any man's throat who had 
any thing to say against that. Richardson of Illinois looked as if at a 
funeral, and gave the vote of Illinois in a voice like the sound of clods 
on a coffin. The followinsr is the 



FIRST BAIJ.OT. 



STATES. 


i 

'bo 

a 
o 

Q 


.2 

.a 

3 
O 


c 




5 


a 

D 

a 


a 


a 
.a 

>-> 


c 

OS 
h-5 






3 


2^ 


<u 


Maine 


5 
5 
5 

H 

4 
35" 


3 

9 

k 


2 

1 

'4 

7 


6 

3 

2 
5 
15 
9 
1 

'i 

4?, 


U 

12 


'3 
"3 

6 




New Hampshire 




Vermont 




Massachusetts 




Rhode Island 




Connecticut 




New York 




New Jersey 




Pennsylvania 


9 

"i 


1 


Delaware 

Maryland 




Virginia 

North Carolina 




South Carolina 

Georgia 

Florida 

Alabama 

Louisiana 

Mississippi 

Texas 

Ark ausas 




Missouri 


4J 




Tennessee 

Kentucky 




Ohio 


23 
13 
11 

6 
5 
4 
4 

145^ 




Indiana 




Illinois 




Michigan 




Wisconsin 




Iowa 

Miimesota 




California 

Oregon 




Total 


35^ 


1 











86 



SECOND BALLOT. 

Douglas 147 

HuntiT 41 J 

Guthrie 3(i^ 

JohiiKoii 12 

Dickinson Ci 

Laue 6 

Touccy 2| 

Davis 1 

THIRD BALLOT. 

Doiisjlas 148J 

Guliiiie 42' 

Hunter 36 

Johnson 12 

Dicliinsoa 6^ 

Laue 6* 

Davis 1 

FOURTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 149 

Hunter 41J 

Guthrie 37| 

Johnson 12" 

Lane 6 

Dickinson 5 

Davis 1 

FIFTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 149,] 

Hunter 4l" 

Guthrie 37^ 

Johnson 12 

Lane 6 

Dickinson 5 

Davis 1 



SIXTH BALLOT. 

Douglas U^ 

Guthrie 39^ 

Hunter 3G 

Johnson 12 

Lane 7 

Dickinson 3 

Davis 1 

.SEVENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150^ 

Hunter 41 

Guthrie 38.J 

Johnson 11 

Lane 6 

Dickinson 4 

Davis 1 

EIGHTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150J 

Hunter 40| 

Guthrie 38,} 

Johnson 11 

Lane 6 

Dickinson 4.^ 

Davis 1 

NINTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150^ 

Guthrie 41^ 

Hunter 33=} 

Johnson 12 

Lane 6 

Davis 1} 

Dickinson l' 



While the roll was being called, Mr. Edgerton of Minnesota desired 
to have his vote recorded for Johnson of Tennessee. 

The question was, whether, before the Convention adjourned, Doug- 
las would get a majority of the Electoral College. He crawled up, half 
a vote at a time, until, on the ninth ballot, he reached the figure 152 ; 
but before the vote was declared, the column of the North-west was 
broken. Gorman denied Edgerton's right to change his vote — chair 
recognized Edgerton's right to vote as he pleased. 

TENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150J 

Guthrie 3;),i^ 

Hunter Si)' 

Johnson 12 

Lane 5j 

Dickinson i" 

Davis 1 1 



KLKVKNTH BALLOT. 

Douglas l^Qi 

(iuthrie 3<).i 

Hunter 38* 



Johnson 12 

Lane 6^ 

Dickinson 4 

Davis 1| 

TWELFTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150| 

Guthrie 39| 

Hunter 38 

Johnson 12 

Lane 6| 

Dickinson 4 

Davis li 



On motion of Mr. Richardson of Illinois, the Convention then ad- 
journed. 



v^ 87 

The Douglas men were very despondent after this day's experience. 
The delegates generally are dispirited, worried out liy the long wrangle, 
and disgusted. It is the prevalent impression that the l)ein<icratic 
party has been done for. Even if it should be possible to patch up a 
superficial reconciliation, and nominate with a whole Convention, the 
nomination would be worthless. I hear it stated here a hundred times 
a day, by the most orthodox Democrats and rampant Southerners, 
" William H. Seward will be next President of the United States." 
And I have heard this remark several times from South Carolinians : 
" I'll be damned if I don't believe Senator Seward would make a good 
President." The fact is, there is a large class to whom the idea of 
Douglas is absolutely more offensive than Seward. 

Our North-western friends will go home with hatred of the Democratic 
party, as it has appeared here, rankling in their hearts. As Douglas 
will not be the nominee, they will wish to see the nominee defeated. 
Some of them say, openly and earnestly, they will go home and join the 
Black Republicans. I never heard Abolitionists talk more uncharitably 
and rancorously of the people of the South, than the Douglas men here. 
Our North-western friends use language about the South, her institu- 
tions, and particularly her politicians, that is not fit for publication, and 
my scruples in that respect are not remarkably tender. A good many 
of them will eventually become the most intolerant Republican parti- 
sans. Their exasperation and bitterness toward the South, that has 
insisted upon such a gross repudiation of the only ground upon which 
they could stand in the North, can hardly be described. Many of them 
would not lift a finger to prevent the election of Seward to the Presi- 
dency. They say they do not care a d — n where the South goes, or 
what becomes of her. They say " she may go out of the Convention 
into hell," for all they care. I know it will be asserted that this is a 
highly-colored, statement — but it certainly is not; on the other hand^ it 
is mild. There will be no fight in the North-west worth thinking about. 
The Douglas men will permit the election to go by default. No matter 
what this Convention does after this date, the Chicago Convention has 
all the cards in its hands to win the next Presidency and the spoils of 
the Federal Government. 

This is a " fixed fact," as the honorable President of this Convention 
once said. By the way, the Douglas men are desperately bitter on 
Caleb Cushing. They call him all manner of hard names. 

People are fast leaving the town. Mr. Douglas's outside pressure 
has melted away. The Charleston disunionists now gloat over the 
pitiful and disgraceful wrangling that occupies the attention of the Con- 
vention. 



NINTH DAY 

MORNING SESSION. 



Charleston, May 2, 1860 
Prior to the opening of the proceedings to-day, the Boston Brass 
Band, accompanying the Boston delegation, appeared in the gallery and 



88 



played several national airs, and at the close of wliicli, Mr. Flournoy of 
Arkansas pro|josod three cheers fur the Union, which were given. 

The roll of States was called for the thirteenth ballot (202 votes 
being necessary to a choice), which resulted as follows : 



TUIRTEEXTH BAIXOT. 

Douglas U^ 

Guihrie 39$ 

Lane 20 

Hunter 28.V 

Johnson 12 

Dickiiisoa 1 

Davis Ij 

FOUUTEEN'TH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150 

Gutlirie 41 

Dickinson 5 

Hunter 27 

Johnson 12 

Lane 20^ 

Davis I 

FIFTEENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150 

Gutln-it! 41^ 

Dickinson | 

Hunter 262 

Johnson 12 

Lane 20| 

Davis 1 

SIXTEENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150 

Guthrie 42 

Dickinson ^ 

Hunter 26 

Johnsoa 12 

Lane 20^ 

Davis 1 

SEVENTEENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150 

Guthrie 42 

Dickinson ^ 

Hunter 2G 

Joliiison 12 

Lane 20^ 

Davis 1 

EIUUTKENTH ItAI.LOT. 

Douglas l.'iO 

Guthrie 4I5 

Dickinson 1 



Hunter 26 

.foinison 12 

Lane 2O5 

Davis I 

NINETEENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 150 

Guthrie 41f 

Dickinson 1 

Hunter 26 

Joiuisoa 12 

Lane 20^ 

Davis 1 

TWENTIETH BALLOT. 

Douglas 15() 

Guthrie 42 

Dickinson | 

Hunter 26 

Jolinson 12 

Lane 20| 

Davis 1 

TWENTT-FIRST BALLOT. 

Douglas 150| 

Guthrie 41| 

Dickinson J 

Hunter 26 

Johnson 12 

Lane 20^ 

Davis 1 

TWENTY-SECOND BALLOT. 

Douglas 150| 

Guthrie 4l| 

Dickinson J 

Hunter 26 

Johnson 12 

Lane 20J 

Davis 1 

TWENTT-THIRD BALLOT. 

Douglas 152| 

Guthrie , 41^ 

Dickinson ^ 

Hunter 25 

Johnson 12 

Lane 19^ 

Davis 1 



Before the twenty-third ballot was declared, there was trouble in the 
Virginia delegation. One of the votes was cast for Mr. Douglas by the 
delegates of one of the districts. The chairman of the State delegation 
was opposed to this, and produced the instructions. Gov. Todd of Ohio 
(tem|i()rarily in the chair), ruled that the Virginia vote could be cast 
for Douglas, in spite of the majority of the delegation. This vote gave 
Douglas on this ballot a niajoiity of the Electoral College vote, and his 



89 



friends were greatly inspirited. If Cusliing liad been in tlie chair, the 
fractious Virginians would have been ruled under. Cusliing rushed in, 
out of breath, just after the vote was declared, and took his pofiition 
with some discomposure — an extraordinary thing for him. 



TWENTT-FOCllTU BALLOT. 

Douclas 15U 

Guthrie 4U 

Dickinson li 

Hunter 25 

Johnson 12 



Lane . 
Davis. 



m 



■"**• TWENTY-FIFTH BALLOT. 

Douglas I5I2 

Guthrie 41 

Dickinson H 

Hunter 35 

Johnson 12 

Lane 9i 

Davis 1 

In this ballot North Carolina changed 
her ten votes from Lane to Hunter. 

TWENTY-SIXTH BALLOT. 

Dou!?las 151^ 

Guthrie 41^ 

Dickinson 12 

Hunter 25 

Johnson 12 

Lane 9 

Davis 1 

When North Carolina was called on 
this ballot. Mr. Brown of North Caro- 
lina said : " North Carolina casts her 
ten votes for that incorruptible states- 
man and pure patriot, Daniel S. Dick- 
inson of New York." [Applause.] 

TWENTY-SEVENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 15U 

Guthrie 4-4 

Dickinson 12 

Hunter 25 

Johnson 12 

Lane 8 

Davis 1 

TWENTY-EIGHTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 15U 

Guthrie 42 

Dickinson 12^ 

Hunter 25 

Johnson 12 

Lane 8 

Davis 1 

TWENTY-NINTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151J 

Guthrie 42 

Adjourned until 5 o'clock. 



Dickinson 13 

Hunter 25 

Johnson 12 

Lane 7J 

Davis 1 

THIRTIETH BALLOT. 
Douglas 151 J 

Guthrie 45 

Dickinson 13 

Hunter 25 

Johnson H 

Lane 5^ 

Davis 1 

THIUTY-FIRST BALLOT. 

Douglas 151^ 

Guti'irie 47^ 

Dickinson 3 

Hunter 32^ 

Johnson 1 1 

Lane ^k 

Davis 1 

On this ballot North Carolina cast 
her vote between Hunter and Guthrie. 

THIRTY-SECOND BALLOT. 

Douglas 152| 

Guthrie 47^ 

Dickinson 3 

Hunter 22J 

Johnson H 

Lane 14j 

Davis 1 

North Carolina in this ballot cast one 
vote for Douglas again, giving him a 
majority of the entire electoral vote. 

THIRTY-THIRD BALLOT. 

Douglas 152J 

Guthrie 47^ 

Dickinson 3 

Hunter 22^ 

Johnson H 

Lane 1^2 

Davis 1 

THIRTY-FOURTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 152^ 

Guthrie 47J 

Dickinson ^ 

Hunter 22J 

Johnson 1^^ 

Lane ^^2 



Davis. 



1 



9a 



AFTERNOON SESSION. 



THTRTY-FrFTH BAI.I.OT. 

Douglas 152 

Gutiirie 47.] 

Dickinson 4.] 



Hunter 22 

Johnson 12 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 



Mr. Gittings of Baltimore moved to adjourn to that city on the first 
Monday in July. Withdrew his motion. 



THIRTY-SIXTH BALLOT. 

Douirlas 1.51^ 

(Jutiirio 48 

Dickinson 4i 



Hunter 22 

Johnson 12 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 



The vote of Arkansas having been east for John C. Breckenridge in 
this ballot, 

Mr. Beck of Kentucky asked that the vote might be withdrawn. On 
the part of Mr. Breckenridge, he desired to say, that it was not the de- 
sire of that gentleman that his name should be used in opposition to the 
distinguished gentlemen now in nomination. The vote was withdrawn. 

When the vote was announced, 

Mr. Ewing of Tennessee said that the Tennessee delegation had pre- 
sented a name for the nomination — Mr. Johnson. They now desired 
to withdraw that name, and to express the hope that a nomination might 
be made. Their vote on the next ballot was cast 10| for Guthrie, 1 
for Douglas, and ^ for Johnson. 



THIRTY-SEVENTH BALLOT. 

Donglas 15U 

Guthrie 64| 

Dickinson 5% 

Hunter 16' 

Johnson 1^ 

Lane 12 J 

Davis 1 

THIKTT-EKiHTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 1511 

G utlu'ie (iC" 

Dickinson 51 

Hunter 16" 

Lane " " " ' 13 

THIRTY-NINTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151^ 

Guthrie 6bJ 

Dickinson 5| 

Hunter 16 

Lane 12^ 

FORTIETH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151 J 

(iiithrie 66^ 

Dickinson 5j 

Hunter 16" 

Laue ■ 12^ 

KORTY-FIR8T BALLOT. 

Douglas 15]i 

Gutiirie 66| 



Dickinson 5 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

FORTY-SECOND BALLOT. 

Douglas 15U 

Guthrie 66^ 

Dickinson 5 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

FORTY-THIRD BALLOT. 

Douglas 151^ 

Guthrie 6.5^ 

Dickinson 5 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 

FORTY-FOURTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151 1 

Guthrie 65^ 

Dickinson 5 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 

FORTY-FIFTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151.J 

Guthrie 65| 

Dickinson 5 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 



91 



FORTY-SIXTH BALLOT. 

Douglas I5I5 

Giithrie 654 

Dickinson 5 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 

FORTY-SEVENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas L51^ 

Gutlirie 654 

Dickini5on 5 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 

FORTY-EIGHTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 1514 

Guthrie 65^ 

Dickinson 6 

Hunter 16 

Lane 13 

Davis 1 

FORTY-NINTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 1514 

Guthrie 594 

Dickinson 4 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 

FIFTIETH BALLOT. 

Douglas 1514 

Guthrie 654 

Dickinson 4 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 



FIFTY-FIRST BALLOT. 

Douglas 151J 

Guthrie 65J 

Dickinson 4' 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 

FIFTY-SECOND BALLOT. 

Douglas 151i 

Guthrie 05^ 

Dickinson 4 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 

FIFTY-THIRD BALLOT. 

Douglas 151^ 

Guthrie 65| 

Dickinson 4 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 

FIFTY-FOURTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151 ^ 

Guthrie 61 

Dickinson 16 

Hunter 20J 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 

FIFTY-FIFTH BALLOT. 

Douglas I5I5 

Guthrie 65J 

Dickinson 14 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 



Mr. Gittings said it was no use voting this way like a machine. He 
moved that it was inexpedient to nominate a candidate. There were 
cries that his motion was out of order. He said : I want to see if 
you'll come up and face the music. I mean to vote against it myself, 
but I want to find out what you're going to do. If you'll nominate 
Douglas we can elect him, by G — d ! [Laughter and cheers.] 

The President. The motion is not in order. 

Mr. Gittings. No, of course not; that's the way we are prevented 
getting a vote on it. 

FIFTY-SEVENTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151^ 

Guthrie ^H 

Dickinson 4 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 

Mr. Gittings moved to adjourn till the 1st Monday in June. Laid 
on the table. Adjourned. 

Mr. Douglas's friends were quite nervous after getting a majority vote. 



FIFTY-SIXTH BALLOT. 

Douglas 151 J 

Guthrie 65i 

Dickinson 4 

Hunter 16 

Lane 14 

Davis 1 



92 

The leaders were quite fidgety. Stuart of Michigan, Richardson of Il- 
linois, JlcCook of Ohio, and other.«, bad their heads together at inter- 
vals, and were evidently proposing to do something dbs-perate. Just 
before the Convention adjourned, Stuart sought the floor and clearly ob- 
tained it, but 3Ir. Gushing w'nh stony face looked over his shoulder and 
saw " the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Ashe," who made the 
motion to adjourn until live o'clock, which was carried, by declaration 
of the chair, though there was a strong negative vote. 

The New York vote is ready to be cast for the Tennessee conciliatory 
resolution, which is readily a mild but unmistakable slave code resolu- 
tion. It would deaden Douglas. The spectators have become tired of 
the Convention. The galleries are no longer crowded, and it is hardly 
worth while to keep up the ceremony of presenting tickets. The ladies' 
gallery is very thin, and the poor creatures look down into the hall, 
vainly seeking objects of interest. 

The South Carolina delegates who remained after the secession have 
withdrawn. They were loudly hissed every time they voted, and the 
expressions of public disapprobation were so strong that they have suc- 
cumbed. 

Developments of some sort are expected and insisted upon. The 
outsiders are becoming as impatient as the insiders. The whole arrange- 
ment is pretty nearly beyond endurance. There is little hope of reach- 
ing any conclusion this or even next week. It is very clear that the 
Douglas men have strength enough to prevent nomination whether they 
have or have not to nominate. His friends are obstinate and are be- 
coming more embittered every hour. There are some who hope he will 
cut the Gordian knot here by a summary telegraphic despatch peremptori- 
ly withdrawing his name. But his friends say he promised them in 
Washington a fortnight since, when all contingencies were being con- 
sidered and his counsel was taken, that he would not repeat the Cincin- 
nati despatch under any contingency. There are serious propositions 
made to adjourn, to meet in New York or Baltimore in June. This 
would seem, however, to be a mere hopeless attempt at evasion of the 
present interminable difficulty. The only substantive thing, thus far, 
that has been done here is the disruption of the party. 



TENTH DAY 



THE CLOSING SCENE. 



Charleston, S. C, May 3d. 
The Convention — or rather that which is left of the Convention, the 
" Kunip" as Yancey calls it — meets this morning with the understand- 
ing that it is to adjourn to meet in Baltimore early in June. The 
North-western delegates are said to be in favor of Baltimore, on the 
third Monday in June. This is in sheer desperation. The Douglas 
men expect to have "soft" Conventions held in the cotton States, 
which will send up to the Convention two representatives favorable to 



93 

the Little Giant. They are against a " new deal " in the Northern 
States, and holding what they have, will grab wliat, they can. There 
will be two Conventions, the Squatter Sovereignty one at Baltimore, 
and the Constitutional one, which will assemble at tlie call of the cotton 
States. 

The Convention opens with prayer. Mr. Russell of Virginia ob- 
tained the floor, to make an explanation relative to the position of the dele- 
gation of his State, on the resolution offered by Mr. Howard of Ten- 
nessee, which had been printed erroneously in the papers. The Mer- 
cury, of this morning, contained an article denouncing the resolution as 
no better than squatter sovereignty. The editor had been under a mis- 
apprehension as to the strength of the resolution ; the resolution assert- 
ed that the right of property in slaves in the Territories could not be 
destroyed or impaired by Congress or a Territorial Legislature. The 
editor of the Mercury had omitted the words, "or impaired." Mr. 
Russell of Virginia stated that it had been ascertained that there was 
strength enough in the Convention to pass this resolution whenever it 
came up. This is known to be a fact. 

The language of Mr. Russell was : 

All the Southern States, be believed, ]iad agreed on this, and he un- 
derstood the State of New York had given her assent to its adoption. 
He now offered the following : 

Resolved, That when this Convention adjourns to-day, it adjourn to reassemble 
at Baltimore, Md., on Monday, the 18th day of June, and that it be respectfully 
recommended to the Democratic party of the several Stales t> make provision 
for supplying all vacancies in their respective delegations to this Convention 
when it slJall reassemble. [Applause.] 

[A dispute has arisen about the wording of this resolution — a pam- 
phlet copy of the proceedings at Charleston having been published in 
Washington, in which the resolution reads: 

Resolved, That when this Convention adjourns to day, it adjourn to meet in 
Baltimore on the 18th day of June, in order to afford the States that are not 
now represented an opportunity to fill up their delegations. 

Senator Mason of Virginia considered this matter of sufficient im- 
portance to address a card to the Washington Constitution concerning it. 
Mr. Mason quotes the two forms of the resolution, and says of that 
first above, wnich I take from the file of the Charleston Courier : 

The above is a copy taken by me from the resolution in Mr. Russell's 
possession, which he brought with him from Charleston. 

The marked difference between the two will strike the reader at once. 
As printed in the pamphlet, it is addressed only to " States that are not 
now represented," imputing that there were States, in the judgment of 
the Convention, not then represented in the Convention ; thus seeming 
to imply that the seats of the delegations of those States who had with- 
drawn were then vacant. 

In the resolution really presented and adopted, a recommendation is 
addressed " to the Democratic party of the several Slates to make pro- 
vision fur supplying all vacancies in their respective delegations when 
it fchall reai^kcmble."] 



Tlie rules were quickly suspended to allow Mr. Russell's resolution 
to be considered. 

Then there was an amendment made to strike out Baltimore and in- 
sert Philadelphia. There was moved an amendment to the amendment, 
to strike out Philadelphia and insert New York. Pending these amend- 
ments there were several very funny scenes, which would have been ex- 
citing, if the Convention had not become an inconsequential mob. 

Randall of Pennsylvania several times jumped up with his gnarled 
gray head and comically severe expression, and attempted to put some- 
thing before the house with which he was swollen. Several malicious 
fellows, to tease the old man, raised points of order upon him. The 
old gentleman would get out of his place, close up to the chair, to put 
a moiion, and some rascal would raise the point upon him, that he was 
out of his place. Gushing would look down upon him with a queer 
pucker at the corners of his mouth — the smile of a lion looking kindly 
upon a sheep — and would slaughter him by sustaining the point of 
order and sending him back to his place. At last the old gentleman 
mounted a chair in his place and screamed at the chair, and was recog- 
nized. The Convention was in great good humor with him, and gave 
him a vociferous round of applause. The old gentleman moved to sub- 
stitute for the various motions before the house, that the Convention 
meet on the fourth of July, in Independence Plall. He thought a 
meeting at that holy time and place, would do them all a great deal of 
good. 

The country would have been saved at once, but the motion was out 
of order. 

Mr. Montgomery of Pennsylvania was desperately anxious to address 
the chair, and when the chair recognized somebody else, he was indig- 
nant, and declared his voice (which is a roarer) too weak, and his form 
(which is a whopper) too small, for the one to be seen or the other to 
be heard by the chair. The chair arose in indignation and struck the 
table three violent blows with his hammer, which he would evidently 
have been happy to bestow upon the head of Montgomery. He then 
stated the case to Montgomery in the most explicit terms. 

The question on substituting New York for Baltimore, was lost by a 
viva voce vote The question on substituting Philadelphia for Balti- 
more, was lost by the following vote : 

Ykas — Maine 3, Massachusetts 10;^, Connecticut 1, New Jersey 7, 
Pennsylvania 2G^, Delaware 2, North Carolina 4, Missouri 4, Ten- 
nessee irjl Kentucky 11^, Minnesota H, California 1 — 88^. 

Nays — Maine 5, New Hampshire 5, Vermont 5, Massachusetts 2^, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 5, New York 35, Maryland 8, Virginia 
15, North Carolina 6, Arkansas 1, Missouri 5, Tennessee 1^, Ken- 
tucky 5, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, 
Iowa 4, Minnesota 2^, California 3, Oregon 3—165. 

The original resolution was then carried by the following vote : 

Ykas — Maine 5, New Hampshire 5, Vermont 5, Massachusetts 10, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 0, New York 35, New Jersey 2, Penn- 
sylvania 23^, Maryland 5, Virginia 14^, Arkansas 1, Missouri 6, Ten- 



95 

nessee 7, Oliio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan 6, "Wisconsin 5, 
Iowa 4, Minnesota 4, California 3 — 195. 

Nays — Maine 3, Connecticut 3, Now Jersey 5, Pennsylvania 3, 
Maryland 3, Virginia d, North Carolina 14, Missouri 3, Tennessee 5, 
Kentucky 12 — 55. 

The President. The chair, before putting the final motion to ad- 
journ, requests for a few moments the attention of the Convention. 

Order being restored, the President naid : 

''Gentlemen of the Convention: — Allow me, before putting the 
question of adjournment, to address to you a parting word. 

" I desire, first, to say, and, in saying it, to bear testimony to your 
constituents and to the people of the IJnited States that, coiisirlering 
the numerousness of the assembly, the important interests involved in 
its deliberations, and the emotions thus naturally awakened in your 
bosoms ; considering all this, I say your sessions have been distin- 
guished by order, by freedom from personalities, by decorum and by 
observance of parliamentary method and law. In the competition for 
the floor, in the zeal of gentlemen to promote their respective opinions 
by motions or objections to motions in the lassitude of protracted sit- 
tings, occasions have occurred of apparent, but only apparent, confu- 
sion. But there has been no real confusion, no deliberate violation of 
order. I am better able than any other person to speak knowingly on 
this point, and to speak impartially, and I say it with pride and pleas- 
ure, as a thing especially proper for me to say from the chair. 

" I desire further to say for and in behalf of myself, that I also know, 
by the knowledge of my own heart and conscience, that in the midst of 
circumstances always arduous, and in some respects of peculiar embar- 
rassment, it has been my steady purpose and constant endeavor to dis- 
charge impartially the duties of the chair. If, in the execution of these 
duties, it shall have happened to me to address any gentleman abruptly, 
or not to have duly recognized him, I beg pardon of him and of the 
Convention. 

" Finally, permit me to remind you, gentlemen, that not merely the 
fortunes of the great Constitutional party which you represent, but the 
fortunes of the Constitution also, are at stake on the acts of this Con- 
vention. During the period now of eighty-four years, we, the States of 
this Union, have been associated together in one form or another, for 
objects of domestic order and foreign security. We have traversed 
side by side the wars of the Revolution, and other and later wars. 
Through peace and war, through sun.shine and storm, we have held our 
way manfully on, until we have come to be the Great Republic. Shall 
we cease to be such ? I will not believe it : I will not believe that the 
noble work of our fathers is to be shattered into fragments ; this great 
Republic to be but a name, a history of a mighty people once existing, 
but existing no longer save as a shadowy memory, or as a monumental 
ruin by the side of the pathway of time ! I fondly trust that we shall 
continue to march on forever — the hope of nations, as well in the Old 
World as in the New — like the bright orbs of the firaianicut, which roll 
on without rest, because bound for eternity ; without haste, because pre- 



destined for eternity; so may it be with this glorious Confederation of 
States. 

" I pray you, tlierefore, gentlemen, in your return to your constitu- 
ents and to the bosoms of your families, to take with you as your guid- 
ing thought the sentiment of the Constitution and the Union. And 
with this, I cordially bid you farewell, until the prescribed reassembling 
of the Cunvcnlion." 

The address was received with loud applause, and at its close the 
President doolared that the Convention stood adjourned until the 18th 
of June, then to meet at 12 o'clock, noon, in the city of Baltimore. 

The final fall of the hammer was the signal for a general stampede, 
and the delegates rushed from the hall. 

The monu'ot before the Convention assumed a nebulous appearance, 
a Baltimnrean had something very sweet to say of the hc-pitalities 
of the Monumental City. The loss of interest in the proceedings of this 
Convention will strikingly appear from the fact, that while there are seats 
in the ladies' gallery for at least four hundred, and that at times they had 
not only filled them, but appeared on the floor by scores, there were 
but seven ladies in the hall when the adjournment took place. 

Public opinion has for some days been divided as to the abilities of 
Mr. Curbing as a presiding officer. He is accused of being too elabo- 
rate, and too formal, and incapable of despatching business. Bat it 
should be remembered that during a great part of the time here, his 
object has not been to despatch business, but to procrastinate. Certain- 
ly there has been admirable success in this. It must, however, be said 
of Mr. Curbing as a presiding officer, that he is a little too fond of 
making <'i speech in deciding a point of order, and that he gives too 
many reasons for a ruling, especially where it is tolerably clear that he 
is not strictly impartial. 

Charleston, S. C, May 3d (evening). 

The adjournment of the Convention has been followed by an outrage- 
ous eagerness to get home. Yesterday the Northern delegates general- 
ly professed the most amazing capacities for endurance. They were 
ready to stay here any length of time. There was nothing either in 
their families or their business to call them home. They were prepared 
to brave yellow fever or any other form of pestilence. They were 
ready to defy the plague, though it might be as malignant as tradition 
says it was in other countries. To-day, the Convention adjourned at a 
few minutes after eleven, and there was a little more than an hour left 
before the principal Northern and North-eastern trains took their depart- 
ure. The rush to the hotels, and the calls for bajigag-e and bills, the 
hurried cramminy; of carpet-bags, valises and trunks, the headlong races 
up and plunges down stairs, the yelling after coaches, the shaking hands 
and tak-ng " [)arting drinks," made up a scene that was somewhat 
amazing to the leisurely people of Charleston. Some of those who 
were yes'erday loudest in their professions of willingness to spend the 
Bumincr mouths here, made the most reckless despatch in getting out of 
town. 

Douglas men think they have done it up beautifully, in adjourning. 



97 

and calling for new representations for the cotton States. But the path 
before them is by no means clear, as yet. The vote of New York is 
the pivot on which things turn, and it is uncertain as the wind at a 
street-crossing. 



THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION. 



FIRST DAY. 



Charleston, S. C, May 1st. 

The seceding delegations met, in the first place, the evening after the 
disruption of the National Convention, at St. Andrew's Hail, where 
the names of Secretaries were reported — Mayor Wood and his New 
York delegation also registering their names, upon the invitation of 
Mr. Yancey. 

Pursuant to call, the seceding delegates met at Military Hall, Tues- 
day, May 1st, at 12 M. John S. Preston, of S. C, called the meet- 
ing to order. 

The following number of delegates were found to be enrolled : 

From Delaware, 2 ; Virginia, 1 ; South Carolina, 14, Georgia, 2 ; 
Florida, 6 ; Alabama, 21 ; Mississippi, 14 ; Texas, 10 ; Arkansas, 4 ; 
Missouri, 3; New York, 41. 

Other delegates proceeded to enroll their names. 

Mayor Wood & Co. withdrew, because " the New York delegation 
were not in the attitude of being members of the Convention which sat 
in Institute Hall. 

The following gentlemen were elected officers of the Convention : 

FOR PRESIDENT. 

. JAMES A. BAYARD, of Delaware. 

FOR VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

James Simons, South Carolina. John Milton. Florida. 

I. T. Irwin. Georgia. John A. Jordon, Arkansas. 

Robert G. Scott, Alabama. H. R. Runnels, Texas. 

James Drane, Mississippi. William G. Whitelej^, Delaware. 

Bmile LaSere, Louisiana. M. W. Fisher, Virginia. 

For Secretaries— Thomas P. Ochiltree, of Texas; Franklin Gaillard. of 
South Carolina; N. H. R. Dawson, of Alabama ; F. W. Hoadley, of Arkansas; 
D. D. Withers, of Louisiana ; W. H. H. Tison, of Mississippi. 

Mr. Bayard, in taking the chair, made a lengthy speech. 
A committee on Resolutions was appointed as follows : 
Delaware, W. G. "Whiteley ; South Carolina, A. A. Allemong ; Geor- 
gia, Henry R. Jackson ; Florida, Charles E. Dyke ; Alabama, John 

7 



98 

Ervin ; Mississippi, Ethan Barksdale ; Louisiana, Eobcrt A. Hunter; 
Arkansas, W. E. Burrows ; Texas, Fletcher S. Stockdale. 

Mr. Yancey oflered the following, to be referred to the committee on 
Resolutions : 

Rcifolved, Thiit desiring to base its action entirely upon the Constitution, this 
meeting style itself the Constitutional Democracy. 

Resolved' That the platform adopted by the Democratic party at Cincinnati 
be affirmed, with the following explanatory resolutions : 

[Those of the majority report of the other Convention.] 
Adjourned. 



1 



SECOND DAY 



Charleston, S. C., May 2d. 

Convention met in the theatre. The seats in the dress circle were 
occupied by a brilliant array of beauty and fashion. The family circle 
and galleries were filled with spectators, citizens and strangers. The pit 
had been reserved for the delegates. 

In correcting the journal, Mr. Walker of Alabama moved to correct 
by striking cut the word " seceding " before delegations, and inserting 
the word " retiring," so as to make it read retiring delegates. 

Mr. Winston suggested the word " withdraw. " The word •' retiring " 
was adopted. 

Mr. Burrows, from the committee on Resolutions, reported a series of 
resolutions, the material ones of which were : 

Resolved, That the platform adopted by the Democratic party at Cincinnati, be 
affirmed, with the following explanatory resolutions: 

First. That the governmein of a Territory organized by an act of Congress, 
is provisional and temporary ; and during its existence, all citizens of the Unit- 
ed States have an equal right to settle with their property in the Territory, 
without their rights c4ther of person or property being destroyed or impaired by 
Congressional or Territorial legislation. 

Second. That it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its departments, 
to protect, when necessaiy, the rights of persons and property in the Territo- 
ries, and wherever else its constitutional authority extends. 

Third. That when the settlers in a Territory having an adequate population, 
form a State Constitution in pursuance of law, the right of Sovereignty com- 
mences, and, being consummated by admission into the Union, they stand on an 
equal footing with the people of other States ; and the State thus organized 
ought to be admitted into the Federal Union, whether its coustitutiou prohibits 
or recognizes the institution of slavery. 

Mr. Yancey said : I think, sir, that the Convention is prepared to 
act now on the platform. That is all, 1 believe, that it is proposed to 
act on until another contingency arises, to wit, the nomination of a 
candidate by the National Democratic Convention in session, the rump 
Democracy or rump Democrats, when it may be our privilege to indorse 
the nominee, o;- our duty to proceed to make a noiuination according 
to the will of this body. 

Mr. Jaeksun of iMississippi was not in favor of stopping with the 
adoption of a platform. He said : This is no time to pause for further 



99 

reflection. But I am not propareil to pause simply upon a platform of 
principle. To pau.se at all is, in my judgment, a synij)tom of woaknci-s. 
We have met the Demecracy now in t^ossiun. We have left it upon 
principle, and upon principle alone will I ever return to it. [Applause.] 
Boldly, Mr. Ciiairman, boldly have we taken our position, and it is a 
position of positions. Are we to be tempted back into that organiza- 
tion by the nomination of any man. [Cries of " No ! never ! "] 

Mr. Yancey argued that that was simply a meeting of delegates retir- 
ed from another Convention. He said further : We may be called Dig 
union Democrats. We are not disunionists. We have put nothing 
upon the record to justify the assertion ; yet it will be easy to attach to 
the name the weight of the disunion movement. 

After a long discussion, the platform was unanimously adopted. A 
discussion then ensued on the propriety of proceeding to nominate candi- 
dates. The time was spent in speeches, however. 



THIRD DAY 



CuART.ESTON. S. C, May 3d. 

After some discussion, the motion of Mr. Jackson, that the Conven- 
tion proceed to nominate candidates, was withdrawn. 

Next a discussion sprung up about an address to the people of the 
United States. There were several propositions of this nature. Judp-e 
Meek, in stating the facts as to the strength of the different branches 
of the Democracy in Alabama, said : 

"They [alluding to the delegates of the other Convention, which 
had just adjourned] had then adjourned to meet at Baltimore at a 
future day. They had thus, to use a popular phrase, clinched their ac- 
tion, and now they called upon the South to send new delegates to the 
adjourned Convention. Alabama would never be represented in a 
Convention so formed, founded on a Squatter Sovereignty Platform. 
The vote in the Convention that elected the present delegation to Charles- 
ton, stood four hundred and ninety-nine to twelve, and that was the 
strength of the Douglas Squatter Sovereignty doctrine in Alabama. 
Indeed, out of this twelve, seven were in fact opposed to the doctrine 
of Squatter Sovereignty. Now, what the present Convention had really 
desired, was to have put forward a great historic name, that would have 
commanded confidence and respect all over the Union — he alluded to 
Jefferson Davis of Mississippi. They had also, he might say, contem- 
plated putting in connection with that name the name of the honored 
gentleman who now presided over their deliberations, and thus have 
secured a ticket sans peur, sans reproche. But any definite action 
now was deemed inexpedient." 

It was decided, finally, not to address the country. Mr. Yancey 
disclaimed disunionism per se. Mr. Jackson of Georgia offered a res- 
olution, calling for a Convention at Washington City on the second 
Monday in June. Adjourned. 



100 



EVENING SESSION. 

President Bayard made a speech, retiring from the Convention. He 
made a strong speech for the Union. 

Judge Meek replied to Bayard. He said : " The gentleman said 
they had come here to save the Union. They had not — they had come 
here to save the Constitution." [Applause.] 

The following resolution was adopted, and the Convention adjourned : 

Resolved, Tliat the Democrutic party of the United States who are in favor of 
the platform of priueiple rccoiniueuded by a majority of States in the Charleston 
Convention, be invited to b^end delegates to a Convention to be held in Rich- 
mond, on the second j\londnj in June next ; and that the basis of representation 
be the same as that upon which the States have been represented in the Charles- 
ton Convention. 

APPEARANCE OF THE SECEDERS' CONVENTION IN SESSION. 

Chakleston. S. C May 3d. 
After the adjournment of the National Democratic Convention, I 
looked in upon the Seceders in their theatre. The dress circle was 
densely crowded by ladies. You see at once the patriotism of the 
Carolina ladies exemplified. Tbere were not more than a dozen of them 
to witness the proceedings of the Rump Convention this morning, and 
here they were smiling upon the "constitutional" champions of the 
South by hundreds. I do not think I had seen the Carolina beauties. 
There were actually plenty of beautiful women in the theatre this 
morning, and it has been a customary remark during the sessions of the 
Convention at Institute Hall, that female beauty was a scarce article in 
the Carolinas, so far as appeared. But though the women were beau- 
tiful, they had not the peach-bloom cheeks and May-cherry lips of the 
Ohio girls — no, not by any means. Well, the principal feature of the 
Convention was the ladies. The " performance," while I was present, 
was fair. In fact, it looked very like a play, the actors having not only 
occupied the stage, but taken possession of the parquette. The latter 
was occupied by the delegates, and no impartial spectator could have 
said, that the representatives of the cotton States there assembled were 
other than a noble set of men. The chevalier Senator Bayard occupied 
the chair, and sat near the footlights — a courtly gentleman, whose ro- 
mantic ancestry and name, as well as his long curls, and fine features, 
and distinguished air, were admirably adapted to concentrate the gaze 
of the ladies. The stage scene which was on, was that of the Borgia 
Palace. Those who have seen the play, will of course remember the 
"bloods" on a spree, one of whom struck off the b, leaving okgia, 
whereupon there was an unnecessary (as always occurred to me) 
amount of amusement and alarm concerning the freak, and immoderate 
offense taken at it. Well, in this play the u was already off — the deed 
had been done. As I first looked at the stage, two gigantic policemen 
— Iii.shmen, of course — with blue frock-coats and brass buttons, and 
large stars on their breasts, and maces eighteen inches long in their 
bands, stalked behind the President and Secretaries and Reporters, and 
mysteriously passed beyond a side scene. 



lOi 

They seemerl to be the heavy villains, procured by the designing 
scoundrel to carry off the virgin in the case, who was in love with some- 
body else. 

The real play was going on in the pit. Mr. Burrows of Arkansas, 
a black-haired, black-eyed, swarthy, hook-nosed, portly gentleman, had 
the floor, and was making some very general and very extreme proposi- 
tion. His idea — and it was not a novel one — of being a bold and 
original man — is to be as ultra as possible — to out-Herod all the Herods 
of his party. The fundamental article of his faith, just now, is that 
Squatter Sovereignty is a great deal worse than the rankest sort of 
Abolitionism — that Douglas is ever so much more dangerous to the 
South than Seward, and that the Douglas men are a very bad type of 
Abolitionists. 

Judge Meek of Alabama was next on the floor. The Judge is a 
gentleman whose height is variously estimated between six feet four and 
six feet eight inches. He is a lofty specimen, at any rate, and a very 
powerful public speaker. I do not mean powerful in the " able and 
eloquent " sense in which it has been used in Kentucky. It is re- 
markable, that in the speeches of the extreme Southern men in this 
Convention, we have not had any of that peculiar eloquence which we 
are accustomed to call "Kentucky," because, I suppose, it is a bad 
imitation of the style of Henry Clay. 

Washington, D. C, May 7th. 

The evening after the adjournment of the Convention, Charleston 
was herself again. But she had not been so dreadfully disturbed as 
she had anticipated. I was told by gentlemen of the city that they 
had several times ^een greater crowds about the hotels during racing 
week. The Charlestonians were rather inclined to say, as the contem- 
porary of Noah remarked of the deluge — not much of a shower after 
all. 

We left Charleston for Washington at eleven o'clock of the night of 
the last day of the Convention. The train was an enormous one for a 
Southern road, but would have been a trifling affair up North. There 
were many "distinguished" passengers — there being about an equal 
number of United States Senators and keepers of Faro tables, the lat- 
ter wearing decidedly the most costly apparel, having made the most 
money during their sojourn in the Palmetto City ; one gambling house 
realized twenty-four thousand dollars clear profits, I am told. The 
moon was up and the night beautiful, but there was nothing to see 
from the windows of the car but swamps and pine forests ; but it was 
the ground made classic by Marion, which was some comfort. The 
principal features in the journey to me were pine-trees along the road, 
and six changes of cars. 

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES IN THE SENATE DOUGLAS, SEWAKD AND 

DAVIS. 

Washington, D. C, May 8th. 

* * * * * * * 

And here, coming from the cloak room on the Democratic side, is a 

queer little man, @»»b« head and duck legs — every body knows the 



102 

Little Giant — he loolvS conscious of being looked at ; and he is pointed 
out by a hundred hands, as he makes pretentious strides of about 
eighteen inches each toward his chair. Two or three of his admirers in 
the galli ry are disposed to applaud, but you hear merely the rattle of a 
single boot heel. He shakes hands with Clingnian of North Carolina, 
and chuckles with him over something that seems to be highly relished 
on both sides. The Little Giant wears his black hair long, but it is 
getting thin, and is not the great tangled mass we saw on his neck a 
few years ago. And, Little Giant ! it grows gray rapidly. Now he 
proceeds to twist himseK down in his chair as far as possible, and places 
his feet in bis desk; and thus his admirers in the gallery look upon the 
prodigious little man, squirming flat on his back. He don't feel very 
elastic this morning, that is evident. His mouth is closed up as if he 
was trying to bite a pin in two. He is not "all brain," as Senator 
Brown says. He requires a large vest — and large as he is about the 
chest, bis waist is becoming still more extensive. But he has an immense 
head — in height, and breadth and depth — in indications of solidity and 
force, you cannot find its equal in Washington. There is power under 
that massive brow, and resolution in that grim mouth ; no doubt at all 
of that. After he has fairly stretched himself and rolled over in his 
chair, like the trained lion in his cage, he becomes fidgety, and clasps 
and unclasps his stumpy hands, drums with his white fingers on the 
arms of his chair, rubs his nose, places bis hands affectionately on 
Clingman's knee, and seems at a loss for occupation. 

And now an individual appears on the other side of the House, who 
at first sight seems to be rather a comical person. He has the most 
singular head in all the assortment before you. It rises above the ears 
like a dome, and looks not unlike a straw stack in shape and color. 
His nose — a high, sharp beak — strikes out below the strawy hair that 
thatches the dome. Can you imagine a jay-bird with a sparrow-hawk's 
bill — the high tuft of feathers towering above the eyes — the keen hook 
below V There is a quaintness in that high head and high, sharp nose. 
You are anxious about the forehead. You are sure that must be a 
man of talent, and he must have a forehead. But to save you, 
you cannot tell which is hair and which is forehead. All is of 
the same parchment hue. You seem once in a while to catch a 
glimpse of a lofty mountain range of ideality, etc., according to 
the map>; of the phrenologists. And then you are not sure but it is 
hair. This tall and peaked and pallid head is perched upon a body 
that is active and restless. It moves about with school-boy elasticity. 
It walks with a slashing swagger. It strikes off with a rollicking gait 
from one point to another, and is in and out of the chamber by turns. 
There is an oddity in the dress in harmony with the general queerness 
of the thing. The pantaloons have a dingy oaken appearance. You 
would not be surprised to see breeches of that color in Oregon, but in 
the Senate-chamber they are without a parallel. And did you ever see 
80 much tail to a frock-coat in your life ? Hardly. There is certainly 
a grotesque amount of coat tail. Now after making the round of the 
Republican side of the chamber about twice in ten minutes he offers 
from the chair (next the main aisle and most remote from the Vice- 



103 

President's) a petition, in a Vioarse croakinsj voice ; and when the Vice 
President recognizes "The Senator from New York," there is a stir i 
the galleries and a general stare at the gentleman with the top-knot a- 
beak and voice. He sits down, takes a pinch of snuff, and presen; j 
jou hear a vociferous sneezing, and the high-headed, straw-thatched 
gentleman is engaged upon his beak with a yellow silk handkerchief. 
And you remember that Seward takes snuff, and has ruined his voice 
by the nasty habit. In the llopublican corner of the Senate-chamber 
is a familiar face and form — you recognize the portly person and mas- 
sive intellectual developments, the thin frizzly hair and oval brow of 
Salmon P. Chase. Next him is Gov. Dennison. Seward comes up 
to them and seems to be guilty of some good thing, for they laugh vio- 
lently but quietly, and Seward rubs his oaken breeches with his hands 
and then gives his nose a tremendous tweak with the yellow handker- 
chief. He is wonderfully affable. He acts as though he would kiss a 
strange baby. Ah, he is a candidate for the Presidency. 

The crowd has filled the galleries of the Senate-chamber, expecting 
to hear Jeff. Davis's speech; and there are expectations that Douglas 
will reply. The hands of the Senate clock approach the points indica- 
ting the hour of one, and the people are weary of the monotonous read- 
ing of bills and petitions by title, and the presentations of the miscel- 
lany of deliberative bodies in audible tones. Ah ! here he comes. 
The crowd in the galleries give a buzz of relief, and every body tells his 
right hand man — "here he comes — that's Jeff. Davis." And can it 
be possible that he proposes to make a speech 1 You are surprised to 
see him walking. Why, that is the face of a corpse, the form of a 
skeleton. Look at the haggard, sunken, weary eye — the thin white 
•wrinkled lips clasped close upon the teeth in anguish. That is the 
mouth of a brave but impatient sufferer. See the ghastly white, hollow, 
bitterly puckered cheek, the high, sharp, cheek bone, the pale brow 
full of fine wrinkles, the grizzly hair, prematurely gray ; and see the 
thin, bloodless, bony, nervous hands! He deposits his documents 
upon his desk, and sinks into his chair as if incapable of rising. In a 
few minutes the Vice-President gives his desk a blow with his ivory 
hammer, calls for profound order, and states "that the Senator from 
Mississippi" has the floor. Davis rises with a smile. His speech was 
closely reasoned, and his words were well chosen. Once in a while he 
pleased his hearers by a happy period; but it was painfully evident that 
he was ill. 



104 



THE BALTIMORE NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL UNION 
CONVENTION. 



LIST OF DELEGATES, 



[From the Secretary's Roll.] 



PENNSYLVANIA. 

Senatorial Delegat-s — Hon. Joseph R. In- 
gersoU, Gen. Abraham Markley. 

AUcTJiates— Col. H. M. Fuller, Alfred How- 
ell. 

Congressional Districts — E. P. Molyneau, 
Charles D. Freeman, Wm. S. Elder, E. Har- 
per Jeffries, Wm. H. Slingluff, Capt Frank 
Smith, M. Mundy, Jno. A. Bauks, H. K. Kil- 
lian, Henry Keller. Merritt Abbott, Col. Jo- 
seph Paxton, J. W. Martein, Edw. Shippen, 
E. C. Pechin, J. D. Bayne, John A. Ettiiiger, 
Thomas Hayney, Patten, F. W. Gray- 
son, J. K. McDonald, Joseph H. Irwin, Gen. 
Wm. Shall, A. S. Redstreake, John H. 
Hicks. 

Alternates — Sam'l M. Lee, F. S. Altemue, 
John Slemer, John Bell Robinson, John S. 
Littell, T. W. Woodward, Wm. Graeff, H. C. 
Fondersmith, C. C. Lathrop, Wm. H. Pierce, 
Wm. Hillman, C. H. Breisler. Robert M. 
McClure, E. P. Borden, Col. W. Lee, Chas. 
Chadwick. 

NEW TOUK. 

At Large — Washington Hunt, Erastus 
Brooks, B. David Noren, Jonas C. Hearts. 

Alternates— GaoTse A. Halsey, John S. Van 
Rensalier. 

Districts— Alfred Doolon, Thos. R. Webb, 
J. DePeyster Ogden, Charles Beck, Horace 
H. Day, A. M. Bininger, Frederick A. Tall- 
madge, Clark Peck, Daniel R. St. John, Pe- 
ter Cantine, A. K. Chandler, George B. War- 
ren, James Kydd, Clarence Buck, James L. 
Smith, Orville Page, Charles B. Freeman, 
Edwin J. Brown, A. W. Northrup, Aaron 
Mitchell. Newton B. Lord, R. F. Stevens, 
Frederick C. Wagner, Jacob P. Faurotte, 
Chas. Coryell, Sain'l J. Wilkin, D. W. Tom- 
linson, Erastus S. Mack, G. A. Scroggs, Jas. 
W. Gerard, Harlc Haikes. 

Alternates-John P. Dodge, Alfred Wat- 
kins, Jonas Bartlett, William J. Bunce, Har- 
ri:*on Hall, Wm. H. Falconer, Wm. T. Jen- 
nings. John C. Ham, Fenlon Harbrouck. O. 
B Wheeler, William Ducr, Silas Swam, Ru- 
fus Ripley, W. D. Murphy, Wm. Burling, 
John Leveridgo, Louis Lillie, Abel .Smith, 
Harvey Smith, Jon. Muiin, W. M. Conkey, 
Daniel L. Couch. Alfred Wolkyu, A. G. 
Mynck, Daniel S. Baker, Anson Spenser, S. 
L. lluggin.s. H. H. Golf, M. F. Robertson, 
John H. White, John F. Morton, L. L. Piatt. 

TENNESSEE. 

W. G. Brownlow, Bailey Peyton, John S. 
Bricn. G. A. Henry. W. Brazleton, Robert 
CralRhead, John J. Craig, N. S. Brown, Edw. 
H. Ewiug, J. W. Richardson, A. J. Donelson, 



W. Homar, O. P. Temple, C. F. Trigg, R. 
Brabson, Joseph Pickett, Wm. Hickerson, 
S. H. Combs, Jordan Stokes, R. S. Northcott, 
A. S. Colzar, Henrv Cooper, L. J. Polk, J. C. 
Brown, W. P. Ken'drick, Jos. C. Starke, J.H. 
Callender, Clay Roberts, Joseph Barbien, J. 
M. Parker, T. A. R. Nelson, H. Maynard, 
Wm. Stokes, Robt. Hatton, Jas. M. Quarles, 
Wm. Etheriige, P. W. Maxcey. 

ILLINOIS. 

Gen. John Wilson, Chairman ; Geo. V. 
Byrd, Josiah Snow, John T. Stuart. Alfred 
Dutch, D. J. Snow, Alternate ; Eliphalet 
Wood ; D. W. Ford, Alternate. 



John J. Hayden, R. W. Thompson, James 
Montgomery, Lewis Howe, J. M. Havron, 
Dennis Gregg, A. H. Davidson, C. W. Prath- 
er, W. K. Edwards, John P. Early, J. M. 
Smith, J. W. Dawson, J. A. Bridgland, Thos. 
B. Long, H. M. Gram, Jas. L. Bradley. 



Delegates—Sol. Smith, William F. Switz' 
ler, Edward M. Samuel, John P. Bruce, 
Matthew H. Moore, Thos. A. Harris, John 
Scott, Joseph B. Terry, Adolphus Masser. 

Alternates — J. T. Clements, J. E. Barron, 
R. H. Porter, J. R. Hammond, J. B. Wil- 
hams. 

VIRGINIA. 

District Delegates — Samuel Watts, Travis 
H. Epes, Wm. Martin, Edward D. Christian, 
Wm. L. Goggin, Marmaduke Johnson, Geo. 
T. Yerby, E. T. Tayloe, Robert E. Scott, N. 
B. Meade, A. H.H.Stuart, James Witherow, 
Wm. J. Dickinson, George W. Summers. 
Waitman T. Willey. 

Alternates — Thomas L. Pretlow, Daniel 
Lyon, George Towns, W. W. Henry, Alex. 
Rives, Peyton G. Coleman, Robert Saunders, 
George W. Lewis, Henry W. Thomas, Wm. 
Andrews, Chas. H. Lewis, Wm. Copeland, 
Isaac J Leftwich, Arthur J. Boreman, James 
S. Wheat. 



Senatorial Dclrgatr.':— Gov. Allen Trimble, 
Hon. John Scott Harrison. 

Congressional Districts — N. G. Pendleton, 
Gilbert Kennedy, J. R. Nelson, A. J. Thorp, 
N. Mclleth, Dr. J. Way, Jos. N. Snyder, M. 
J. N. Glover, H. T. Barnes, C. L Garro, Jas. 
H Laws, J. T. Hyatt, Joel Funk, R. R. Sey- 
mour, R. H. Geary, Jas. H. Emminger, J. M. 
Bushfield, Amos Glover. 



105 



MISSISSIPPI. 

Hon. Wm. L Sharkey, Hon. J. W. C. Wat- 
son, Col. J. M. Patridge, E. F. McGehee, 
Hick Bell, R. II. Rivers, T. B Mosely, J. K. 
Yerger, Joseph Regan, W. H. Vasser, A. S. 
Mitchell. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Deleg'ates—llon. Jos. Grinnell, Col. James 
W. Leva, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Hon. S. 
L. Crocker, Leverett Salstonstall,Hon. Geo 
S. Hillard, Benj. L. Allen, Col. Winthrop 
Faulkner, Jonathan Johnson, Wm B. May, 
Hon. Luther V. Bell, Hon. Abel S. Lewis, 
Henry White. 

Alternates— "Frankhn Weston, N. F. Saf- 
ford, J. L. Baker, Hon. D. Warren. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Delegates at Large — Hon. Jno. A. Rockwell, 
Hon. Austin Baldwin. 

Alternates— E. M. Shelton, F. H. Whit- 
more. 

Districts — Hezekiah Huntingdon, Hon. Ezra 
Clarke, jr., H. C. Miles, C R. Alsopp, C. A. 
Lewis, Henry Burr, C. H. Leeds, D. W. 
Pierce, S. H. White, Wait M. Hawley, Wal- 
ter, H. Bacon, Lyman W. Cole, F. F Loomis, 
Hon. J. Dunham, R. E. Hitchcock, B. A. 
Hawley. 



S. R. Hanson, Jos. R. Brozier, Phineas 
Barnes, Samuel Taylor, Geo. E. B. Jackson, 
Sam'l P. Shaw, Geo. C. Getchell, Daniel L. 
Choate. 

NEW JERSEY. 

Senatorial Delegates — Hon. Jos. F. Ran- 
dolph, Hon Jas. Bishop. 

AUernates—Dr. Chas. G. McChesney, Eli- 
sha Day. 

Delegates— Jesse E. Peyton, CoL J. W. Al- 
len, Hon. Peter J. Clark, Samuel G. A. Van 
Lain, James A. Williamson. 

Alternates— Geo. M. Robertson, Jacob Her- 
bert, Hon. Abraham V. Schenck, A. W. Coul- 
ter, Peter S. Duryea. 

VERMONT. 

At Large — John Wheeler. 

Alternates — R. McKinley Ormsby, E. J. 
Phelps, A. Stebbins. 

Cangreisional Districts — J. M. Knox, M. 
Cottrill, Daniel Tilden. 

Alternates — ^Ab. Brown, Andrew Tracey. 
Jewitt. 



ARKANSAS. 

C. C. Danly, Q. K. Underwood, Jno. Brad- 
ley. 
Alternate — J. B. Keatts. 

GEORGIA. 

R. A. T, Ridley, Hon. Joshua Hill, Hon. 
Thomas Hardeman, jr., II Hopkins, J. A. L. 
Lee, James M. Calhoun, George W. Adair, 
J. R. Parrott, Thomas W. Walker, Isaiah 
Fairview, Z. H. Clark, Williard Boynton. 

DELAWARE. 

William Temple, Jos. P. Comogys, Jas. R. 
Loffland, Chas. Cullen, Wm. ElcLjooti, Laban 
L. Lyons, J. M. Barr, H. P. Blaudy, Geo. W. 
Karsner. 

Alternates — A. Stockley, Thomas Wallace, 
John M. Denning, Manlove Hays, Wm. Loflf- 
land, Wm. Wilson, L. G. Gooch, Dr. J. F. 
Wilson, Reese G. Wolf, Henry F. Fookes. 

KENTUCKY. 

State at Large — Leslie Coombs, Laban T. 
Moore, Gibson Mallory, James S. Jackson. 

Districts — J. D. M. Goodwin, Benjamin 
Berry, F. M. Bristow, S. G. Suddarth, B. B. 
Thompson, C. F. Burnham, John Barbee, J. 
K. Goodloe, Wm. R. Duncan, John W. Fin- 
nell. 

Alternates— Thos. A. Duke, S. G. Rhea, 
Blanton Duncan, A. H. Sneed, G. W. Fore- 
man, D. A. Sayre, W. C. Whittaker, S. F. 
Gano, J. J. Miller, Samuel Davis. 

ALABAMA. 

N. W. Shelly, Philip Morgan, J. Q. Dure. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

State at Large— Hon. John M. Morehead, 
Hon. Richard S. Donnell, Hon. Nathaniel 
Bayden. 

Districts— I}a.vii A. Barnes, D. D. Ferebie, 
E. W. Jones, Richard H. Smith, Jos. B. 
Cherry, W. H. Clark, John H Haughton, W. 
Foy, Walter Dunn, Thomas Sparrow, E. C. 
Yellowby, Daniel L. Russell, E. J. Hale, 
Giles Leitch, A. N. Waddell, John G. Blue, 
R. McNair, Hon. R. B. Gilliam, Wm. H. Har- 
rison, Hon. E. G. Readc, John Manning, John 
M. Cloud, R. W. Wharton, Hon. J. M. Leach, 
T. C. Ham, Thos. S. Ashe, Rufus Barriuger, 
S. H. Walkup, Todd R. Caldwell, Wm. M. 
Shipp, A. S. Merrimon. 

TEXAS. 

A. Banning Norton, A. M. Gentry, B. H. 
Epperson, Evans. 



FIRST DAY. 

Baltimore, May 9tli. 
The hotels were filled up last night by the delegates and outsiders in 
attendance upon this Convention. There were crowds of good looking 
gentlemen, talking of the prospect of redeeming the country. The 
candidates under consideration are Botts of Virginia, Houston of Texas, 
Bell of Tennessee, Crittenden of Kentucky, Everett of Massachusetts, 
and McLean of Ohio. The chances seem to be in favor of John Bell. 
There is a disposition to use Mr. Everett as candidate for the Vice- 



106 



PrcsUlcnfy. The delegates seem to be in high spirits, and to be confi- 
dent of tlieir a])ility to make at least a powerful diversion. The general 
foolishness of the two great parties has given the third party unusual 
animation. 

The "Amorieah" element appears at once upon entering the hall, 
which is an old church, with galleries on three sides. The galleries are 
festooned with tri-colored drapery. There is a full-length painting of 
"Washington, surmounted by an American Eagle, and two great flags of 
our country, behind the President's chair. The south wall, above and 
below the galleries, is covered with an assortment of star-spangled ban- 
ners. The general appearance is patriotic as the Times office, on 
Washington's birth-day — as described on one occasion, four days in 
advance. 

As the delegates pressed in, the galleries were on the look-out for 
lions, and applauded in the old style of the "spreads," whenever a 
"distinguished" gentleman could be made out. Crittenden had quite 
an ovation. 

When the hour arrived for calling the Convention to order, Mr. 
Crittenden advanced upon the platform and took the chair. There was 
a vociferous outburst of applause. Some one called for "Three cheers 
for John J. Crittenden." They were given as only the "spreads" can 
give them. "Three more" were called for and given; and then 
"three more," wild and shrill, hats and handkerchiefs waving, and great 
delight appearing in every countenance. Crittenden bowed until he 
was tired, and tlien took his seat. "When the noise subsided, we had a 
prayer, a very fair pious political speech. It was written out and read 
from manuscript. The difficulty with it was as to whom it was 
addressed — to the Lord or the Convention. It was very eloquent and 
well delivered. 

Mr. Crittenden, as chairman of the National Constitutional Union 
Convention, called the Convention to order. A speech was expected 
from him, but he only said : 

"It has been made my duty, gentlemen, as chairman of the Execu- 
tive committee of the Constitutional party, to perform the honored task 
of calling this Convention to order, and I will discharge the duty with 
as much brevity as I can. I hesitated, and was a little diffident about 
the propriety of my occupying your attention for a single moment on thus 
calling to order this Convention. You are, in yourselves, the great 
body that represents the party of the whole country. I will, therefore, 
only perform the duty without an unnecessary word. 

"1 would recomnieiul, in the first place, the appointment of a tempo- 
rary chairman ; and I nominate, in accordance with an arrangement 
which I understood had to some degree been made before, Washington 
Hunt, former Governor of the State of New York, as your temporary 
chairman." [Api)lause.] 

Mr. Hunt was unanimously elected temporary chairman. Mr. Hunt 
made a very fair speech, embodying many good sentiments, and glitter- 
ing with tlie usual generalities about peace, concord, fraternity, love, 
good will, no North, no South, etc. He referred to the disruption of 
the Dctuocratic party, wrecked on the mysteries of territorial sovereignty. 



107 

The Convention insisted on applauding nearly every sentence, and 
several times refused to let liiiii finish a sentence. It was worse than 
the applause given by an Irish audience at an Arclibishop's lecture. 
The Americans must never laugh at the Irish for their irrepresssble dis- 
position to ajjplaud. As the committee on Permanent Officers was 
being appointed, nearly every name received a round of applause. 
During the first hour and a half of the session, I presunie at least one 
hundred rounds of applause were were given, and the more the 
"spreads" applauded, the greater became their zeal. I have stated, in 
letters from Charleston, I believe, that the Douglas men were the most 
noisy fellows in the world, in proportion to their dimensions. 1 take it 
back. The " Plugs" can beat them at their own game. 

The committee on Permanent Officers, consisting of one from each 
State, was constituted as follows: 

Alabama — N. W. Shelley. Mississippi — John K. Ycrger. 

Arkansas— C. C. Danley. Missouri — Sol Smith. 
Connecticut — Hon. John A. Rockwell. New Hampshire — 

Culituruia — New York — B. Davis Noxon. 

Delaware — Wm. Temple. New Jersey — J. W. Allen, 

riorida — North Carolina — Nathaniel Boydcn. 

Georgia — J. S. Fannin. Ohio — Allen Trimble. 

Indiana — John G. Hcydon. Oregon — 

Illinois — John Wilson. Pennsylvania — Joseph Paxton. 

Iowa — Rhode Island — 

Kentucky — John W. Finnell. South Carolina — 

Louisiana— Texas — 

Maine — C. B. Jackson. Tennessee^A. J. Donelson. 

Massachusetts — L. V. Bell. Vermont — John Wlieelor. 

Michigan — Virginia — Wm. L. Goggin. 

Minnesota — T. J. Barrett. Wisconsin- 
Maryland — Thomas Swann. 

No delegates appearing from the States of California, Florida, Iowa, 
Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, South 
Carolina and Wisconsin. 

Several of the Southern States are very strongly represented here. 
Virginia and Tennessee have exceedingly able delegations on the floor. 

A great portion of the delegates are of the "eminently respectable" 
class of gentlemen — and most of them are somewhat stale in politics. 

The Convention took a recess until four o'clock in the afternoon, 
when A. J. Donelson, from the committee on Organization, reported 
the following names for permanent officers of the Convention : 

PRESIDENT. 

W^ASHINGTON HUNT, of New York. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

S. R. Jackson, Maine. James Calhoun. Georgia. 

R. M. Ormsley, Vermont. J. J. Dew, Alabama. 

Marshall P. Wilder, Massachusetts. Richard W. Thompson, Indiana. 

Austin Baldwin, Connecticut. David A. Sayer, Kentucky. 

Frederick A. Tallmadge, New York. Edward F. McGehee, Mississippi. 

Peter J. Clark, New Jersey. Q. K. Underwood, Arkansas. 

Jos. R. Ingersoll. Pennsylvania. Gustavus Henry, Tennessee.. 

Dennis Claude. Maryland. J. Scott Harrison. Ohio. 

Alex. H. H. Stuart, "Virginia. Jos. P. Comegys, Delaware. 
Robert B. Gillian, North Carolina. 



108 

Secretauies — S. C. Long, Maryland ; A. Payton. New Jersey: Ezra Clark, 

Coiiaccticut ; Snow, Illinois ; L. Saltonstall, Massachusetts ; John W. Lynn, 

Massachusetts; Samuel Davis, Kentucky ; J.P.Early. Indiana; AdolphusMus- 
ser, Maine ; Richard Bell, Mississippi ; John H. Callender, Tennessee. 

The report was unanimously adopted. Mr. Hunt made another 
speech, and several other gentlemen followed " ably and eloquently." 
Mr. Coombs of Kentucky, the subject of platforms being introduced, 
made a hit as follows : 

So deeply have I been impressed with the necessity of a platform to 
a great political party, that I have taken upon myself the labor of pre- 
paring three [laughter], one for the harmonious Democracy, who have 
lately agreed together so beautifully at Charleston [laughter] ; one for 
the " irrepressible conflict " gentlemen, who are about to assemble at 
Chicago, and another for the National Unionists now before jsnd around 
me. [Laugbter]. And as all are brief and perfectly intelligible, I 
shall take the liberty here to repeat them. 

First, for the harmonious Democracy ; the Virginia and Kentucky res- 
olutions of 1798-9 [laughter], without preamble or comment, followed 
by two upon the slave question, one in favor of excluding slavery from 
the Territoiies of the United States, and the other in favor of forcing it 
into them [applause] ; both to be adopted unanimously by the Conven- 
tion under the previous question, and no questions asked afterward. 
[Laughter]. 

For the " irrepressible conflict" philanthropists about to assemble at 
Chicago, I suggest the blue laws of Connecticut [laughter] ; with a 
slight modification upon two points ; first in reference to the right of a 
man to kiss his wife on Sunday, and the second in reference to burning 
witches, providing that the young wife shall have the privilege to be 
kissed and the old witches to be burned. [Great applause.] 

In reference to this Convention I have provided a still shorter plat- 
form — The Constitution of the United States as it is [" Good ! good ! " 
and applause] ; the Constitution as it is, and the Union under it now 
and forever. [Great applause.] I will not speak in reference to the 
first at large, but I venture to say that it will be as intelligible hereaf- 
ter to the wide-spread Democracy, as it has been heretofore ; and being; 
thus intelligible, I venture to stake all I am worth — not very much-^ 
that not one in five hundred have read those resolutions, and not one in 
five hundred who have read them understand them. 

In reference ot our platform — the Constitution as it is — the Legisla- 
tive, Judicial and Executive departments, each in its separate depart- 
ment supreme. I ti)ink that will be platform enough for the Union 
party to stand upon [applause] — the Congress of the United States to 
enact the laws, the Judicial department to interpret, and the F>xecutive 
to have them executed. 

This is all we want ; that is all we need. Were I an assemblage of 
Christians about to establish a creed for Christians, do you think I would 
take dipping or sprinkling? I would take the Bible as it is, leaving 
all to construe it, they being responsible for its construction. [Immense 
applause, and three cheers for Mr, Coombs, the Convention rising in 
their places.] 



109 



Erastus Brooks said : 

Sir, we misjudge the people of the country, if any of us suppose 
that they an- nut heart-sick and head-sick of what are called, technically, 
party platforms. We know it ; what we have seen at Charleston is but 
illustrating the fable of Saturn, for they literally devoured their own 
progeny. [Applause]. What we see elsewhere in regard to the great 
Republican party is equally true — t^y are composed in one State of 
various classes of men ; a conservative class in favor of the Fugitive 
Slave law and the Constitution of the United States, and that class ad- 
dresses themselves to the commercial community and to the manufac- 
turing community. There is another class of men who follow in the 
wake of these, leaving the city and going into the rural districts, and 
there they preach as the great architect of that party preached at Cleve- 
land, for a higher law than the Constitution of the United States. 

A committee on Resolutions and Business was constituted as follows : 



Alabama — A. F. Alexander. 
Arkansas — M. S. Keniiard. 
Couuecticut — Austin Baldwin. 
Delaware — Chas. F. Cullon. 
Georgia — Hon. Joshua Hill. 
India'na — Iloti. R. W. Thompson. 
IHiuois — John Wilson. 
Kentucky— C. F. Bm-nham. 
Maine — George E. B. Jackson. 
Massachusetts — Abial S. Lewis. 
Minnesota — T. J. Barrett. 
Maryland — George A. Pearrie. 



Mississippi — John W. C. Watson. 
Missouri — Thomas A. HaiTJs. 
New York — Hon. Erastus Bi'ooks. 
Now Jersey — Joseph F. Randolph. 
North Carolina — Richard S. Donald. 
Ohio— N. G. Pendleton. 
Pennsylvania — Hon. Jos. R. lugersoU. 
Texas — A. B. Norton. 
Tennessee — Hon. Bailie Peyton. 
Yermont — John Wheehr. 
Virginia — Robert E. Scott. 



SPIRIT OF THE FIRST DAY S PROCEEDINGS. 

Baltimore May 9th (at night). 
The Convention organized in this city to-day does not furnish a very 
animating theme. Not that it was not animated in itself. There were the 
same furious demonstrations of enthusiasm that we had occasion to re- 
mark in the Fillmore performances in 1856. A hundred of the Fill- 
more men would make more noise than three times as many Democrats 
or ten times the number of Republicans. There is too much unanimity 
here, however, to be interesting. Every body is eminently respectable, 
intensely virtuous, devotedly patriotic, and fully resolved to save the 
country. They propose to accomplish that political salvation so devout- 
ly to be wished, by ignoring all the rugged issues of the day. The ex- 
pression against platforms was universal and enthusiastic. Instead of 
proceeding to make a platform, the worthies here in Convention assem- 
bled all fell to abusing platforms. There was probably as much discre- 
tion as virtue in this, for the delegates would find it impossible to agree 
on an expression of principles formally laid down, and the intention is, 
to make the canvass simply upon an assumption that this body repre- 
sents the " Conservative American Constitutional Union element." 
What this element proposes to do, can be stated in one way in the 
South and another way in the North, and thus our excellent friends will 
have all the advantages of an ambiguous platform, and will not encoun- 
ter any of the disabilities attendant upon a written standard of ortho- 



) 



110 

doxy, flavor Swann stated that, when John J. Crittenden took the 
stand, he saw platform enovigh for him, and the " plugs " who were in 
the galleries, cheered him tremendously. I have heard a great deal 
of virtuous twaddle in public speeches within a few weeks, but the essence 
of the article was uncorked to-day. Erastus Brooks gave his idea of a plat- 
form. It was the Constitution and laws. The Constitution as inter- 
preted by the constituted authorities — the highest judicial authorities — 
and the enforcement of the laws. VNow, Erastus is the editor of the 
New Y^ork Express, and therefore a great man. He was consequently 
applauded throughout witii even unusual vigor. He is in favor of the 
nomination of Gen. Sam. Houston, a rather good old soul, as we all 
know, but the most shallow of the shallow politicians who have been 
engaged for some years in attending to the affairs of our beloved coun- 
try. He probably has a very brilliant understanding of that Constitu- 
tion and law which is to be the platform. His appreciation of and 
respect for the constituted authorities was exemplified in his recent pro- 
position to invade Mexico. While sneeches were beino; made, the 
chair announced that the delegation from Texas was at the door. [Tre- 
mendous applause.] The chair directed the door-keeper to admit the 
delegation from Texas. [Tremendous applause.] The delegation from 
Texas was admitted. [More tremendous applause.] The delegation, 
headed by a man with a beard half a yard long, who w'as dressed in 
home-spun and bore a great buck-horn-handle cane, made its way to a 
front seat, amid " tremendous applause." An officious delegate said 
that the long-haired man had agreed at one time not to have his hair 
cut until Hency Clay was elected President. [Still more tremendous 
applause.] v 

During both sessions of the Convention this day, every speech was 
received in this " tremendous " style. The moment a speaker would 
say Constitution ; law ; Union ; American ; conservative element ; 
glorious victory ; our fathers ; our flag; our country ; or any thing 
of the sort, he had to pause for some time, until ihc. general rapture 
would discharge itself by stamping, clapping hands, rattling canes, etc., 
etc. I have likened the enthusia-sm to that of an Irish audience at an 
archbishop's lecture. It was so, with some additional peculiarities of 
extravagance. The noise and confusion of applause became a disgust- 
ing bore to all but the patriotic "plugs." 

If I had not known otherwise, I should have thought sometimes that 
the incessant rage of approbation was factious; but the "plugs" by 
whom the galleries were loaded, meant only to emit their pent-up ec- 
stasy. So vivid were their perceptions of patriotic sentiments, that they 
could not in dozens of cases await the conclusion of a sentence, before 
shouting and stamping like Yahoos on a spree. When a speaker would 
put off something about the Constitution and laws of our beloved coun- 
try, he would be obliged to suspend his remarks, until the tempest of 
approbation subsided. And if ho should, in order to make himself in- 
tidligiblo, so far as he might, commence the broken sentence over again, 
ten to one, when he arrived at the patriotic point, where the fracture 
commenced, the storm would break out again, with redoubled fury. As 
a matter of necessity, a committee to report business was constituted 



Ill 

It was necessary to present some business to tlie Convention. About 
every other committee man's name was received witli outrageous yells 
of admiration from the galleries, and stamping so desperate that the 
mortar rattled down, and there were appreiiensions that the galleries 
themselves might tumble under the weight of rampant patriotism heaped 
into them. 

It is presumed that a nomination will take place to-morrow, and that 
several cheers will go up, and that a determination to elect the nominee 
and save our sweet country, will be expressed by a large number of 
"able and eloquent" gentlemen, who will cause the skies to be rent 
with roars of American enthusiasm. 

The turn out of delegates is larger than was expected. I believe 
there are really as many people in attendance here, as there were at 
Charleston. The hotels are full, and the narrow Baltimorean sidewalks 
can hardly contain the groups of exuberant and vociferous patriots. 
John Bell stock was high to-day, and is tolerably well high up yet, but 
there are many who are anxious to avail themselves of the battle of 
San Jacinto. The persuasion that presses John Bell is, that he is 
strong in the North. But nearly every body ought to know, that he 
could not carry a single Northern State. ^The pressure for Houston is \ 
upon the presumption that he is powerful in the South. I am very 
seriously told that he could sweep every State in the South with perfect 
ease, and New York also, thereby securing his election in the Electoral 
College. And, I am further informed, that if by some unforeseen acci- 
dent or most illogical turn of affairs, he should not be triumphantly 
elected according to the first form made and provided by the Constitu- 
tion, and the election should be thrown into Congress, the Republicans 
there would prevent the election of an ultra-Southern man by the 
Senate, by joining in the House with the men who have taken the 
Con.stitution, Union, and salvation of the country into special consider- 
ation; and by elevating their champion to the Presidency, give the 
nation another lease of life. I have been obliged to say to some of our 
Constitution-loving friends, that I did not think the nominee of this 
Convention, even with the naked Constitution for a platform, would be 
certain to carry the State of Ohio. I have gone so far as to indicate an 
apprehension that the chances were, the electoral vote of the State 
would be thrown for somebody else. 



SECOND DAY. 

Baltimore, May 8th. 

"When the President of the Convention, Washington Hunt, Esq., 
appeared upon the platform this morning he was received with the usual 
joyous cries and stamping. The Convention being called to order, we 
had a fervent prayer for the Union. The minister did not, like his 
brethren in some cases at Charleston, pray directly for the triumph of 
the ticket that might be put forward. The Union being prayed for, 
however, it was inferred that as this body had the confederacy in charge, 



112 

the petition for the preservation of the Union included an invocation for 
the success of the Convention's nominees before the people. 

The old church used by the Convention is very much crowded this 
morning. The ladies' gallery is well filled ; but there is hardly a fair 
representation of that female loveliness, for which this city has a just 
celebrity. 

There are many distinguished men on the floor, but they are mostly 
" venerable men," who have come down to us from a former generation 
of politicians, and whose retirement from the busy scenes of public life 
have beeo rather involuntary than otherwise, and whose disgust at polit- 
ical trickery may perhaps in part be attributed to the failure of the popu- 
lace to appreciate their abilities and virtues. 

The Hun. Jos. R. IngersoU made the report of the Business commit- 
tee. He said of the committeemen : 

They met with entire cordiality : they proceeded with entire good 
feeling, and they terminated their proceedings with great unanimity, 
and I may say with patriotism. [Applause.] I would not venture to 
present as an example at all to a great and highly respectable body like 
this the feeling and the cou^feous deportment of the gentlemen with 
whom I had the pleasure to sit as chairman last evening; but I would 
say that a more entirely respectable set of men — in manner, appear- 
ance, and in result — I never saw. [Applause.] 

THE PLATFORM. 

Whereas, experience has tlemonstrated that platforms adopted by the parti- 
san Conventions of the country have had the etfect to mislead and deceive the 
people, and at the same time to widen the political divisions of the country, by 
the ci'eation and encouragement of geographical and sectional parties; there- 
fore 

Rcaolvcd. That it is both the part of patriotism and of duty to recognize no 
political principles, other than 

TUE CoNSTrrUTION OP THE COTJNTKT, 

The Umox of the Stater and 

The Enforcement of the tLaws ; 

(Loud and prolonged cheering.) 
and that, as the representatives of the Constitutional Union men of the country 
iu National Convention assembled, we here pledge ourselves to maintain, pro- 
tect, and defend, separately and unitedly, those great principles of public lib- 
erty and national safety, against all enemies, at home and abroad, believing that 
thereby peace may once more be restored to the country, and the just rights of 
the people, and of the States re-established, and the Government again placed 
in that condition of justice, fraternity and equality, which, under the example 
and constitution of our fathers, has solemnly bound every citizen of the United 
hftates to maintain, "a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic 
tranf|uillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and 
secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." [Prolonged 
cheers.] 

Mr. IngersoU in making this report was cheered when he took the 
«tand, cheered when he opened his mouth, given nine cheers when he 
.said the committee had with entire unanimity and surprising enthusiasm 
agreed that there should be no formal platform. When the declaration 
of principles was read, there was more cheering. The opening proceed- 
ings were, in fact, a long yell, partially subsiding at intervals, so that a 
few remarks could be interpolated. The declaration of principles was 



113 

passed unanimously, with a prnpor amount of the article of enflinsiam. 
But the pt'i-fuct harmony which had thus far prevailed, was now dis- 
turbed. There was a distressingly earnest and dreailfully protr;icted 
discussion, on the report as to the process of business, which was pre- 
scribed in the following resolutions : 

Resolved, That each State shall be entitled to the same number of votes in 
this Convention as its electoral vote, and that each delegation shall, for itself, 
dotermiiie the manner in which its vote shall Vje cast. 

Resolved, That in luiUoting for President and Vice-President, ballots shall be 
taken until the candidate nominated shall receive a majerity of all Ihe votes 
cast ; that the candidate for President shall first be balloted for and selected, 
and then the candidate for Vice-President. 

There was an impression somewhere that there was a disposition in 
the various States to coerce the minorities, and out of this the trou- 
ble grew. 

The Convention got itself into a very uncomfortable condition of con- 
fusion, and about twenty resolutions were heaped upon each other. 
The "gallant and gifted Goggin," of Virginia, at last offered a resolu- 
tion, which brought the Convention out of tribulation and the rapids of 
controversy into calm and deep water. 

It was as follows : 

Resolved, That the chairman of each delegation shall cast the vote of his State 
for each delegate, in such way as he may be instructed by the delegate entitled 
to vote, and when there is not a full ivpi eseulation from any 8tate, then the 
majority of such delegation shall decide how the vote of the district UJirepre- 
sented shall be cast ; and where there be two delegates who cannot agree, each 
of said delegates shall be entitled to one-half a vote. 

This was adopted. 

At half past eleven, the nomination of a candidate for the Presidency 
was in order. Some time was spent by the various State delegations, 
in preparing their votes, and there was no little sensation in the hall. 
The Maryland delegation being unable to get the proper construction of 
the Goiririn resolution through its head witliout a surgical operation, re- 
tired for consultation, and to have the necessary operation peitunned. 
A delegate from 3Iinnesota had a delicacy. He was the only man from 
that State, and had not been appointed a delegate. He was a substi- 
tute, consequently he did not feel like representing the State. The 
voice of the Convention overcame his modesty. Ttie names most loud- 
ly cheered as the balloting proceeded were those of John Bell and Ed- 
ward Everett. Everett received a long and loud clamor, and the ladies 
waved their handkerchiefs. When the vote of Texas was called for, 
her hairy delegate got up and mentioned the battle of San Jacinto, and 
tried to give peculiar emphasis to the Sam part of Houston's name. 
But it did not take wonderfully. 
The first ballot resulted as follows : 



If4 





FIRST 


BALLOT. 














States. 


> 


o 

o 




d 

-a 

s 




'So 

bo 





S 

a 




d 

03 






pq 




on 
a) 

> 




9 








3 


1 

2.', 

3" 




















1 














Delaware 


















3 






















10 


































5i 










5?, 












12 




















8 
















13 














.... 






\ 


7^ 










































9 

1 
















28 
1 


4 

2 




2 














2 














10 








Ohio . . • • 




5 
9 

4 


11 






4 


2 
2 






















17J 








2 


























12 






















5 




























2 


7 


13 


Total 


25 


57 


68| 




28 


3 


22 


21 


13 



The President announced the result as follows : 

Whole number of votes cast 254 

Necessary to a choice 128 

Of which John Bell of Teaaessee received 68^ 

Sam. Ilouston of Texas 57 

John J. Crittenden 28 

Edward Everett 25 

Wm. A. Graham 22 

John McLean 21 

Wm. C. Rives 13 

John M. BottB 9^ 

Wra. L. Sharkey 7 

Wm. L. Goggin 3 

As the second ballot was being taken it became apparent that the 
friends of John Bell were in the ascendant. 

As the vote of New York was being taken, Jas. W. Garrard, of that 
State, gave his political biography. He stated that he had been in the 
habit of standing up in favor of the South. He was a Northern man 
with Northern principles. Northern conservative principles were the 
game as Southern conservative principles. He mentioned that he had 
several times talked like a prophet. He had something to say of 
Washington, the American Eagle, the Washington monument, the 
Battle monument, and striking upon expediency, availability, etc., 



115 



wound up with a screech for Sara. Plouston, appealing in behalf of the 
Dutch and Irish of New York. He declared that what was wanted 
was a Southern Democrat to sweep up the votes. 

Pendleton of Ohio declared that Ohio wanted a Southern Whig. 
This expression was received with an uproar of approbation, as it was 
understood to be a stroke for John Bell. So it was Southern Whig 
against Southern Democrat. 

Houston's long-haired friend from Texas, made a wild speech for 
him. He (long hair) was an old friend of Henry Clay — loved, 
admired, revered him, and followed him through his days of adversity. 
But Sam. Houston was the man. 

It was now clear, however, that the flood was for John Bell. 

When the State of Virginia was called, Mr. Summers of Virginia 
stated that the delegation asked to be allowed a few moments for con- 
sultation, before announcing her vote. 

The excitement was intense throughout the Convention, as upon the 
vote which Virginia might give, would depend the nomination of Hon. 
John Bell of Tennessee upon this ballot, as he then lacked but three 
votes of a majority of all the electoral votes represented in the Con- 
vention. 

The ballot, as it then stood, was as follows : 



SECOND 


BALLOT. 














States. 




3 
O 


S 

OS 

XI 

S- 

o 


0) 


O 




c 

•r- 

6 


a 
a 

o 




9 


















4 
















31 

3 

3 
















































.... 
3?, 
6' 


6i 












Kentucky 


4 
12 


1" 




i 














5^ 




^^ 










8 
12 
















1 




































7 










1 

29 


1 
1 


6 










4 
5 










New Jersey 


1 




1 








10 






Ohio 


18 
19 


5 

7 
4 
























1 


Texas 
















12 
5 














































Total 


125 


68 


18i 


^ 


dI 


H 





1 



Mr. Summers, on the part of the Virginia delegation, announced that 



116 

ho harl hoen instrnctod to announce that, they oast 13 votes for John 
Bell of Tennessee, and 2 votes for John Minor Botts. 

This ^Mve Bell a majority, and there was a great clamor of applause, 
a tearinj^ roar of cheers, a violent stamping — B 'lUam broki n loose. 

'^'he Convention now went through the formality of changing votes, 
so as to make the nomination unanimous. As State after State changed 
its vote, there were the usual demonstrations of delight, by which this 
Convention has been distinguished above all other caucuses ever heard of. 

Leslie Coombs, in changmg the vote of Kentucky, paid a high com- 
pliment to Gen. Sam. Houston, and went over to Bell. Coombs said 
since the death of Clay, he had not been in active political life ; but 
since the tocsin of disunion had been sounded North and South, he 
had thought it his duty to come up out of his pfilitical grave, and 
join the throng of the living, and enter into the campaign for the Union. 

There was a great deal said of the great Bell that was to toll the 
knell of the Democratic party. Several gentlemen were quite capti- 
vated by their ability to pun on the name of the '"favorite son of Ten- 
nessee," and a delegate from Pennsylvania propi)sed to furnish the bell- 
metal necessary for the enormous National Bell which was to be sound- 
ed over the Union. And so on for quantity. 

While New York was changing her vote, there was a crash somewhere, 
and it suddenly occurred to every body that the galleries, which were 
enormously loaded, were giving way. There was a tremendous rush 
of terrified men for the doors and windows. By great efforts of those 
who were too far from tho windows to get out, and tho-e who were in a 
position, and cool enough to see that there was no danger, the panic was 
subdued. - When it was discovered that there was no peril, the crowd 
stared at each other, with white faces, and laughed. 

The changing of votes was so tedious, that it became an almost 
insufferable bore. It was over with at last, however. Erastus Brooks 
moved to make the nomination unanimous, and the chairman put the 
question whether that should be done. Thereupon there was a yell 
tiiat was called unanimous. Then the chairman arose to perform the 
proudest duty of his life. It was almost too liig for him. But he 
struggled with it and triumphed, and he proclaimed that John Bell was 
the unanimous choice of that Convention. 

M;ijor G. A. Ilenry?^of Tennessee, grandson of Patrick Henry, 
responded in behalf of his State. He spoke in glowing terms of John 
Bell, whose whole record he declared to be sound. No sectional sen- 
timent ever soiled the paper on which his speeches were written. 

He proceeded to make a Union speech. It would not do to allow 
the Union to bo dissolved. He, for one, could not stand by and per- 
mit it. The revolutionary blood in his veins forbade him to be passive 
on such an occasion. A voice here cried out — 'A grandson of Pa- 
trick Henry!" There was at once a sensation. Tliiee cheers and 
three more were given, and Washington Hunt sprang up, his eyes 
streaming tears, and grasped his hand. JMr. Henry is a tall, well-formed 
gentleman, with tine pleasant face, bald head, and fringe of silvery 
white buir about the ears. Tl^e old^man had really inherited sorue 



117 

of til e powers as an orator of bis illustrious ancestcir, and made tlie speech 
of the Convention. 

"We are Uninn people; shall we throw this Union away? ITow can 
we avoid the responsibility of standinj^ up to defend it? With what 
face couhl we n)eet the wonderinc; nations, if hy strife and hate and 
blinded councils, and the Masted sway of deniaj^ogues accursed, we 
throw away the richest heritage that God ever gave to man, blot out 
our fair escutcheon to all coming time, deliver down our names to be 
accursed, teach desyjots that freedom is but a dream, quench its fair 
light wherever it may dawn, and bid the lovers of mankind despair? 
If such must be our country's early doom; if all her pride, her power, 
her cherished hopes, our stripes, our stars, our heritage of glory, and 
the bright names we have taught our children to revere — if all must 
end in this, never let free man meet free man again, and greet him with 
length of years. 

" 'An early tomb, 
■^hprein to esoapp the liiss and scorn 
Of ;ill raankiud, were sure a better doom.' 

" Tear down your flag; burn your Capitol ; dismiss your navy; dis- 
band your army; let our commerce rot; overturn all your monuments, 
here in Biiltimore and everywhere else; give to the flames the once 
loved record of our father's deeds; scatter the sacred dust of Washing- 
ton ['Never,' 'never,'], teach your boys to forget his name, and 
never let the pilgrim's foot tread the consecrated groves of Mount 
Vernon. Can we surrender all these bright and glorious hopes? If 
we can, then we of the Union party are the most recreant of all man- 
kind, and the curses of all time ■will cling upon us like the shirt of 
Nessus. " 

His description of the return of delegates from Charleston was rich. 
He said : 

"As I was coming on here, the other day, I saw some of the dele- 
gates returning from Charleston, and I declare to you that I never saw 
a more broken down and desponding set. [Laughter.] They were 
tired, sleepy, and disheartened ; and I must say without any figure of 
speech, they were ' unwashed.' [Eenewed laughter and applause.] 
I said to them, ' Gentlemen, what upon earth is the matter with you 
now? What has hayipcned to you?' 'Oh!' says one man, 'our 
national Democracy is broken up, and the lampntations of tlie whole 
world, I reckon, will attend it.' ' Oh 1 yes,' said I, ' I shed oceans of 
tears over the result.' [Laughter.] They looked to me like the 
broken columns of Napoleon's army when they returned di.-^fcomtited 
from Moscow. 

" Here and there I caught one and asked him what occurred down 
there. 'Why,' said one, 'I have not slept a wink for fmr nights.' 
[Laughter.] I said to one, who I thought treated me a little scurvily 
about it, ' Why, perhaps a little good brandy would cheer you up.' 
'No,' said he, 'even burnt brandy wouldn't save me now.' [Renewed 
laughter.] Gentlemen, upon my honor, I expect every one of them to 
die soon, and in eveiy paper I read I look to see the death of some of 
the Charleston members." 



118 

The old man was in good earnest, and his effort was immensely 
acceptable. In truth, I have seldom heard a speech better calculated 
to arouse popular fceUng. When he closed he was given about twenty- 
five cheers, and the Convention being in the humor for talk rather than 
business, the Hon. W. L. Sharkey of Mississippi was called upon for a 
speech, at the conclusion of which the Convention took a recess. 

Upon reassembling, there was an eagerness on the part of nearly all 
the delegations to put forward for nomination for the second place on 
the ticket, the name of the Hon. Edward Everett. Only one other 
name was proposed. Col. Finnell of Kentucky nominated the chair- 
man of the Convention, Washington Hunt, who declined to allow the use 
of his name, in a speech entirely too long and rather awkward. After 
about twenty speeches, which filled up three hours, and such stamping 
and shouting as was absolutely deafening, the nomination of Everett 
was made by acclamation. 

The speech of this part of the performance was made by the Hon. 
Geo. S. Hillard, one of the editors of the Boston Courier. Mr. Hil- 
lard's effort was exceedingly graceful, and well worded, and the ladies 
honored him by throwing bouquets upon the platform. He responded 
by telling them that unfortunately the ladies of Massachusetts were 
llepublicans almost to a man. 

The following is the passage of his speech : 

"Now, gentlemen of the Convention, you have this day done a good 
and glorious work. It will send a thrill of joy and hope all over the 
land. I know well the feeling which will be awakened in New Eng- 
land. It would be felt there like the breeze from the sea after a day of 
exhausted heat ; like as a man at the poles who is languishing after the 
protracted darkness of an arctic winter feels, when he sees the first 
ruddy spark which tells him that the sprino; and summer is coming, so 
shall we at the North welcome the intelligence of this Convention. 
[Applause.] As the greater part of creation waiteth for the manifes- 
tation of the Son of God, so all over the land will the true and patriotic 
citizens of America rise up and call you blessed. As you go home you 
will be received with applause, with the waving of handkerchiefs, 
the clapping of hands, and eyes sparkling with joy and triumph. As 
the English poet has said upon a great occasion — 

" ' Men met each other with erected look ; 
The steps were highest whicli they took ; 
yriends to congratulate their f'rieuds made haste, 
Aud long inveterate foes saluted as they passed.' 

When we go back to Massachusetts, and to New England, all over our 
hills and valleys which are but just beginning to feel the genial touch 
of spring, wliat a thrill of joy and exultation will ring along our cities, 
our towns, our villages, our solitary farm-houses, which nestle in the 
hollows of the hills! It will be so everywhere. [Applause.] ' How 
beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring tidings of 
peace.' How beautiful, beautiful upon the mountains, are the feet of 
those who reconcile sectional discord ; that bring together the North 
and the South and the West, and bind them together in the unity of 



I 



m 

the spirit of the land of peace !" [Cries of " Good," " good," and 
applause] 

On motion of Mr. Lathrop of Pennsylvania, the following persons 
were constituted a National Central Executive Union committee ; 

Anthony Kennedy, of Maryland. J. B. St. John, of New York. 

A. R. Boteler, of Virginia. R. W. Thompson, of Indiana. 

Joshua Hill, of Georgia. John Wilson, of Illinois. 
John A. Campbell, of North Carolina. James Bishop, of New Jersey. 

Robert Mallory, of Kentucky. John A. Rockwell, of Connecticut. 

Thos. A. R. Nelson, of Tennessee. Marshal P. Wilder, of Massachusetts. 

Henry M. Fuller, of Pennsylvania. William Temple, of Delaware. 

Several gentlemen spoke of Mr. Everett as the "Ladies' candidate." 
and the ladies v?ere especially called upon to persuade their husbands 
and sweethearts to vote for him. They were frequently informed that 
they must remember how assiduously he had labored for them in the 
Mount Vernon business; while the rest of mankind were informed that 
while engaged in that business he had become wonderfully imbued with 
the spirit of Washington. 

Among the glowing compliments paid Mr. Everett was the following, 
by Mr. Watson of Mississippi : 

" I have made the remark again and again, that Edward Everett was 
at this moment better known throughout the length and breadth of this 
land than any other living being at this good hour. [Applause.] 

" I have been told that every man was familiar with his name. I say 
that not only every man, but every lady is familiar with his name ; and 
not only every lady, but every child is familiar with his name ; and 
every school-boy has recited his glowing eloquence again and again. 
You may take his record up from first to last, and see his patriotism in 
his antecedents. His ability is matchless, and above all, his virtue is 
fearless in every sense of the word. [Applause.] That man has 
studied the character of Washington, and in his studying, he has drawn 
in an inspiration that has so purified and elevated his patriotism that it 
is enough of itself to save the Union, were there no other embodiment 
of patriotism within our limits." [Applause.] 

It was remarkable, and I shall not say it was not a refreshing fact, 
that the Covention avoided altogether the discussion of the slavery ques- 
tion. It was only referred to by indirection. Hon. Neil S. Brown of 
Tennessee thanked Grod that he had at last found a Convention in which 
the "nigger" was not the sole subject of consideration. Not a word 
was said from first to last about the question of slavery in the Territo- 
ries, or the execution of the Fugitive Slave law, and old John Brown 
was only referred to a couple of times. 

And there was nothing said of Americanism — not a word. The 
Hon. Erastus Brooks declared that the Convention was of a new party, 
a party only six months old, and that all old party afiiliations were sub- 
merged. The whole talk was of the Constitution, the Union and the 
laws, of harmony, fraternity, compromise, conciliation, peace, good will, 
common glory, national brotherhood, preservation of the confederacy. 
And of all these things it seemed to be understood the Convention had 
a monopoly. The Constitution, the Union, and peace between the sec- 



120 

tinns would appear from the record of proceedings to he it> (he exclu- 
sive care of, and tbe peculiar institutions of, the no-party and no-platforo* 
gen'letnon here assenihlcd. 

The Ciinveiition adj turned in high spirits. 

At niglit a ratideaiion meeting was held in Monument square. An 
extraordinarily large and elaborate stage was erected. There was a 
platform for the speakers and musicians. Upon each flank of this was 
a tower near thirty feet in height, each tower bearing a flag-staff from 
■which the celebrated flag of our country streamed. In front of one of 
the towers was a likeness of Washington, and Chiy adorned the other. 
On one tower appeared the name of John Bell, on the other that of 
Edward Everett. An arch spanned the platform, inscribed, " The 
Union, t/ie Constitution, and the Enforcement of the Laws" Cir- 
cling above the inscription were the coats of arms of the States. The 
centre of the arch was intended for the American Eagle. But a suita- 
ble bird could not be procured to perch in that exalted place, and a few 
small flags were substituted. The whole thing was decorated by lamps, 
and presented an exceedingly brilliant appearance. I imagine that 
nothing more complete in design, or elaborate in execution, was ever ia 
the United States constructed to serve a similar purpose. 



THE CHICAGO CONVENTION. 



Chicago, May 15. 

Leaving Baltimore in a flood we found the West afflicted with a drouth. 
At one end of the journey, there was a torrent tearing down every ra- 
vine ; at the otlier there was a fog of dust all along the road. 

The incidents of the trip were a land-slide on the Pennsylvania Cen- 
tral, and tbe unpleasantness of being behind time to the extent of sis 
hours on the Pittslmrgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago. Tbe detention was 
occasioned by the fact of the train consisting of thirteen cars full of 
" irrepressibles." I regret to say that most of the company were " un- 
sound," and rather disposed to boast of that fact. 

The difference between the country passed over between I^altimore 
and Chicago, and that between Louisville and Baltimore, by way of 
Charleston, is greatly in favor of the former. I have not had any dis- 
po.sifion to speak in disparaging terms of the Southern country, but it 
is the plain truth that the country visible along the road from Baltimore 
to Ilarrisburg alone, is worth more by far than all that can be seen from 
Charleston t(Tthe Potomac. In the South few attempts have been made 
to cultivate any lands other th.tn those most favorably situated, and mos* 
rich, liut in Pennsylvania, free labor kas made not only the valleys 
bloom, but the hill-tops are radiant with clover and wheat. And there 



121 

are innny other tliinj^s that rush upon the sij^ht in tlie North as contrast- 
ed with tho South, that testify to tlie paramount ;ilory of free hilmr. 

And while pursuing the path of perfect cai)(h)r in all these matters, 
it becomes nice>Siiry to say that the (quantity of whiskey and other ardent 
beverages consumed on the train in which I readied this city, was )nuch 
greater than on ar)y train that within my knowledge entcre<i Charleston 
durino- Convention times. The number of ])rivate bottles on our train 
last night was snmething surprising. A portion of the Republicans are 
distressed by what they see and hear of the disposition to use ardent 
spirits which appears in members of their supposed to be painfully vir- 
tuous party. And our Western Reserve was thrown into prayers and 
perspiration lust night by some New Yorkers, who were singing songs 
not found in hymn-books. Others are glad to have the co-operation of 
Capt. Whiskey, and bail the fact of the enlistment of that distinguished 
partisan as an evidence* that the Republicans are imbibing the spirit as 
well as the substance of the old Democratic party. I do not wish, how- 
ever, to convey the impression that drunkenness prevails here to an ex- 
tent very unusual in National Conventions, for that would be doing an 
injustice. I tlo not feel competent to state the precise proportions of 
those who are drunk, and those who are sober. There are a large num- 
ber of both classes ; and the drunken are of course the most demonstra- 
tive, and according to the principle of the numerical force of the black 
sheep in a flock, are most multitudinous. 

The crowd is this evening becoming prodigious. The Tremont House 
is so crammed that it is with much difhculty people get about in it from 
one room to another. Near fifteen hundred people will sleep in it to- 
night. The principal lions in this house are Horace Greeley and Frank 
P. Blair, Sen. The way Greeley is stared at as he shuffles about, 
looking as innocent as ever, is itself a sight. Whenever he appears 
there is a crowd gaping at him, and if he stops to talk a minute with 
some one who wishes to consult him as the oracle, the crowd becomes 
dense as possible, and there is the most eager de^ire to hear the words 
of wisdom that are suppoi^ed to fall on such occasions. 

The curio-ity of the town — next to the " wfgwam " — is a bowie-knife 
seven feet long, weighing over forty pounds. It bears on one side the 
inscription, " Presented to John F. Potter by the Republicans of Mis- 
souri.'' On tho other side is this motto, " Will always keep a ' Pryor ' 
en(/agem.e7it." This curiosity is gaped at almost as much as Greeley, 
and It is a strange and dreadful looking concern. It is to be formally 
presented to Potter at Washington, by a committee from Missouri. 

The city of Chicago is attending to this Convention in magnificent 
style. It is a great place for large hotels, and all have their capacity 
for accommodation tested. The great feature is the Wigwam, erected 
within the pa.st month, expressly for the use of the Convention, bythe 
Republicans of Chicago, at a cost of seven thousand dollars. It is a 
small edition of the New York Crystal Palace, built of boards, and 
will hold ten thousand persons comfortably— and is admirable for its ac- 
coustic excellence. An ordinary voice can be heard through the whole 
structure with ease. 



The political news is the utter failure of the Ohio delegation to 
come to any agreement, and the loss of influence by that State. 

CuK'AGO, May IGth. 

This is the morning of the first day of the Convention. The crowd 
is prodigious. The hotel keepers say there are more people here now 
than during tlie National Fair last year, and then it was estimated that 
thirt}' thousand strangers were in the city. This figure was probably 
too high, but there are, beyond doubt, more than twenty-five thousand 
persons here in attendance upon the Convention. This is a great place 
for hotels, and the multitude is fortunately distributed through them all 
over the town. There are only a few points where the jam is painfully 
close. One of those places is the Tremont House, where aboat fifteen 
hundred persons are stowed away, and which is the focus of political 
excitement. 

As in the case of all other Conventions, the amount of idle talking 
that is done, is amazing. Men gather in little groups, and with their 
arms about each other, and chatter and whisper as if the fate of the 
country depended upon their immediate delivery of the mighty potitical 
secrets witli which their imaginations are big. There are a thousand ru- 
moi's afloat, and things of incalculable moment are communicated to 
you confidentially, at intervals of five minutes. There are now at least 
a thousand men packed together in the halls of the Tremont House, 
crushing each other's ribs, tramping each other's toes, and titillating 
each other with the gossip of the day ; and the probability is, not one 
is possessed of a single political fact not known to the whole, which is 
of the slightest consequence to any human being. 

The current of the universal twaddle this morning is, that " Old 
Abe" will be the nominee. 

The Bates movement, the McLean movement, the Cameron move- 
ment, the Banks movement, are all nowhere. They have gone down 
like lead in the mighty waters. " Old Abe" and " Old Ben " are in 
the field against Seward. Abe and Ben are representatives of the con- 
servatism, the respectability, the availability, and all that sort of thing. 

The out-and-out friends of Mr. Chase here are very much embittered 
against the Wade movement. They are mistaken about it in some par- 
ticulars. While this movement has certainly been used to slaughter 
Mr. Chase, it was not, in my judgment, originated with any such pur- 
pose 

The room mates, the pleasure of whose society I have the pleasure 
of enjoying, were in magnificent condition last night. They were 
" glorious," — " o'er all the ills of life victorious," and, to use the ex- 
pression which is here in every body's mouth every minute, they were 
irrepres.sible until a late liour. And this morning I was aroused by a 
vehement debate among them, and rubbing my eyes, discovered that 
they were sitting up in bed playing cards to see who should pay for gin 
cock -tails all around, the cock-tails being an indispensable prelhuinary to 
breakfast. 

The badges of different candidates are making their appearance, and 
a good many of the dunces of the occasion go about duly labeled. I 



12a 



saw an old man this morning with a wood-cut of Edward Bates pasted 
outside his hat. The Seward men have badges of silk with his likeness 
and name, and some wag pinned one of them to Horace Greeley's back 
yesterday, and he created even an unusual sensation as he hitched about 
with the Seward mark upon hira. 

The hour for the meeting of the Convention approaches, and the agi- 
tation of the city is exceedingly great. Vast as the wigwam is, not one- 
fifth of those who would be glad to get inside can be accommodated. 



FIRST DAY. 

OFFIClJL ROLL OF THE CONVENTION. 

The following is the Official Roll of the delegates admitted to seats 
in the Convention : 



PRESIDENT. 

Hon. GEO. ASIIMUN, of Massachusetts. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

California— A. A. Sargent. 
Connecticut— 0. F. Cleveland. 
Delaware — John C. Clark. 
Iowa— H. P. Scholte. 
Illinois — David Davis. 
Indiana — John Beard. 
Kentucky— W. D. Gallagher. 
Mains— Samuel F. Ilersey. 
Maryland— Wm. L. Marshall. 
Massachusetts— Ensign H- Kellogg. 
Michigan— Thomas White Ferry. 
Minnesota— Aaron Goodrich. 
Missouri— Henry T. Blow. 
New York— Wm. Curtis Noyes. 
New Jersey— E. Y. Rogers. 
New Hampshire — Wm. Uaile. 
Ohio— Geo. D. Burgess. 
Oregon — Joel Burliugame. 
Pennsylvania— Thad. Stevens. 
Rhode Island— Rowland G. Hazard. 
Texas— Wm. T. Chandler. 
Vermont — Wm. Hebord. 
Virginia — R. Crawford. 
Wisconsin — Hans Crocker. 
Nebraska— A. S. Paddock. 
Kansas— W. W. Ross. 
District of Columbia- Geo. Harrington. 

SECRETARIES. 

California — D. J. Staples. 
Connecticut— II II. Starkweather. 
Delaware — B. J. Hopkins. 
Iowa— William B. Allison. 
Illinois — 0. L. Davis. 
Indiana — Daniel D. Pratt. 
Kentucky — Stephen J. Howes. 
Maine — C. A. \\iug. 
Marylaxid — William E. Coale. 
MassadRusetts— Charles 0. Rogers. 
Michigan— W. S. Stoughtoa. 
Minnesota — D. A. Secombe. 
Missouri — J. K. Kidd. 
New Yprk— Geo. W. Curtis. 
New Jersey — Edward Brettle. 



New Hampshire — Nathan Hubbard. 
Ohio— N. J. Beebe. 
Oregon — Eli Thayer. 
Pennsylvania — J. B. Serrill. 
Rhode Island — R. R. Hazard, jr. 
Texas — Dunbar Henderson. 
Vermont — John W. Stewart. 
AVisconsin — L. F. Frisby. 
Kansas — John A. Martin. 
Nebraska — U. P. Hitchcock. 

DELEGATES. 

MAINE — EIGHT VOTES. 

At Large. 

George F. Talbot, M.achias. 
M illiam H. McCrillis, Bangor, 
.lohn L. Stevens, Augusta. 
Kensellaer Cram, Portland. 
Districts. 

1 Mark F. Wentworth, Kittery. 
Leonard Andrews, Biddeford. 

2 Charles J. Oilman, Brunswick. 
Seward Dill, Phillips. 

8 Nathan G. Ilichborn, Stockton, 
George W. Lawrence, Warren. 

4 C. A Wing, Winthrop. 
J. S. Baker, Bath. 

5 Samuel F. Ilersey, Bangor. 
Going Ilathoru, Pittsfield. 

6 John West, Franklin. 
Washington Long, Fort Fairfield. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE — FIVE VOTES. 

At Large. 
Hon. Edward H. Rollins. 
Hon. Aaron H. Cragin. 
Hon. William Ilaile. 
Hon. Amos Tuck. 

Delegates 

1 Nathaniel Hubbard. 
George Matthewson. 

2 B. F. Martin. 
F. H. Morgan. 

3 Jacob Benton. 
Jacob C. Bean. 



12# 



VERMONT— FIVE VOTES. 

At Lnr^e. 
K. N. Briggs, Hraiidoii 
Peter T. Washlmrn, Hood^tock. 
E. D. Masoii, liii'liinonJ. 
E. 0. Kediugton. St. .Joljnsbury. 

Diftricts. 

1 John W. Stewart, Middlebury. 
E B. Burton, Manchester. 

2 Hugh II. Henrv. ihester. 
Will. Hebord, Chelsea. 

3 Wm. Clapp, St Albans. 
E. B. Sawyer, Uydu Park. 

MASSACHUSETTS — THIRTEEN VOTES. 
A' Large. 
John A. Andrew, Boston. 
Ensign II. Kellogg', IMrtsfield. 
George S. Boutwell. Groton. 
Linus B. Comius, lioston. 

Districts. 

1 Jo.seph M. Pay, Barnstable. 
Jonathan Bourne, jr , New Bedford. 

2 Robert'!". Davi.s, Kail iJiver. 
Seth Webb, jr., Siituate. 

.3 Edward L. I'ierce, Milton. 
William ClaHin, Newton. 

4 Charles Hogers. Boston. 
Josiah Dunh.am, Boston. 

5 Samuel Hooper, Boston. 

Ge Tge Willi.im .MeLellan, Cambridge. 

6 Timothy Davis, Gloucester. 
Eben i\ Stone, Newburyport. 

7 George Cogswell, Bradford. 
Timothy Winn, U'oburn. 

8 Theodore H Sweetser. Lowell. 
John S. Keves, Concord. 

9 John D. Baldwin, Worcesler. 
Edward B. Bigelow, Grafton. 

10 John Wells, Chicopee. 
Erastus Hopkins, Northampton. 

11 John H. Coffin. Great Barrington. 
Matthew D. Field, Southwick. 

RIIODE ISLAND — FOUR VOTES. 

At Large. 
•lames F. Simmon?, U. S. Senate. 
Nathaniel'B. Durfee, Tiverton. 
Benedict Laphain. Centreville. 
W. II. S. Bayley, Bristol. 

Districts. 

1 Benjamin T. Eames, Providence. 
Rowland U. Hazard, jr., Newport. 

2 Rowland G. lliizard, Peacedale. 
Simon Henry Greene, Phenix. 

CONNECTICUT — SIX VOTES. 

At Large. 
Gideon Welle.'*. Hartford 
Kleazer K. Foster, Nevv Haven. 
(!hauiicey V Cleveland, Hampton. 
Alexander II. Holley, Salisbury. 

Di-^tricts. 

1 Sanuel Q. Porter, Unionville P. 0. 
licverett E. I'e.ape, Soniers. 

2 SUiphen W. Kellogg, Waterbury. 
Arthur B Calef. Middletown. 

3 David Gallup, Plaiiifield. 

Henry H Starkweather, Norwich. 

4 Edgar H. Twe.dv, Danbury. 
George U. Noble, New Miiford. 



NEW YORK — TniRTV-MVB VCTB3. 

At Lnri.e, 

William M. Evarts, New York. 
Preston King, Ogdensburgh. 
John L. Schoolcraft, Albany. 
Henry U. Selden, llochcster. 
Districts. 

1 George W. Cnrtis, New York. 
Robert L. Weeks, Jamaica, L. I. 

2 James S. T. Stranahan, Brooklyn. 
Henry A. Kent, Brooklyn. 

3 John A. Kennedy, New York. 
John A. King, Jamaica 

4 Owen W. Brennan, New York. 
Robert T. Haws, New York. 

5 Thomas Murphy, New York. 
Ch.arles M. Briggs, Williamsburg. 

6 Joseph C. Pinckuey, New York. 
Marshall B. Blake, do 

7 Daniel D. Conover, do 
John Keyserjfc do 

8 Wm. Curtis Soyes, do 
James W. Nje, do 

9 Edmund J Porter, New liochelle. 
John G. Miller, Carmel. 

10 Ambrose S./Murray, Goshen. 

0. V R. Liyddingtou, Moniicello. 

11 Peter Crispjell, jr. 
Heni-y Green. 

12 Albert Van Kleeck, Poughkcepsie. 
John T. Hogeboom, Ghent. 

13 Jonathan W. Freeman. 
Gideon Revnolds, Troy. 

14 H. H. Van Dyck, Albany. 
Henry A. Brigham, West Troy. 

15 Edward Dodd, Argvle. 

Jas. W. Schenck, Glensfalls. 

16 Orlando Kellogg. 
Wm. Iledding. 

17 John H Wonster, Newport. 
A. B. James, Ogdensburgh. 

18 Henry Churchill, Gloversville. 
Thomas R. llorton, Fultouville. 

19 Horatio N. Buckley, Delhi. 
Samuel J. Cooke. 

20 I'almer V. Kellogg, Utica. 
Henry H. Fish, Utica. 

21 Giles W. Ilotchkiss, Binghamton. 
Benj. S. Rexford, Norwich. 

22 Samuel F. Case, Fulton. 
Robt. Stewart, Chitten 'ngo. 

23 Isaac H. Fiske, Watertown. 
Ilinim Porter, Louisville. 

24 Vivus W.Smith, Syracuse. 

D. C Greenfield. Baldwinsville. 

25 Alex B. Williams, Ljons. 
Theodore M. Pomeroy, Auburn. 

26 Obadiah B. Latham. Seneca Fails. 
Charles C. Shepard, Penn Van. 

27 Wm. W. Shepard, Waverly. 
Geo. W. Schuyler, Ithaca. 

28 Wm. Scott, Geneseo. 
Stephen T. Hayt, Corning. 

29 D. D. S. Browne, Rochester. 
Alexander Babcock, Rochester. 

30 Joshua H Darling, \\ arsaw. 
John H. Kimberly, Batavia. 

31 Wm. Keep, Lockport. 
Noah Davis, jr.. Albion. 

32 Alexander \V. Harvey, Buffalo. 
Joseph Candee, do 

33 Alonzo Kent, Ellicottville. 
Doles E. SUI, do 

NEW JERSEY — SEVEN VOTES. 
At Large. 
James T. Sherman. Trenton. 
Thomas H. Dudley, Camden. 



:1I5 



Edward Y. 'Rogers, Kahway. 
Ephraiin Miirsli. Jersey City. 
F. T. Frelinjjluiyseu, Newark. 
Jonathan Cook Trenton. 
Dudley S. (i; fgnry, Jersey City. 
Joliu J. Blair, lUaiitown. 
Districts. 

1 Providence Ludlam, Bridgeton. 
Robert K. Mattock, Woodbury. 
Edward Brettlc, Camden. 
Jonathan D. li.gham, Salem. 

2 Archibald R I'liaro, Tuckerton. 
Stephen B Smith. Pennington. 
Anizi C. McLean, Freehold. 
Bernard Connolly, do 

3 A. P. Bethonde, Washington. 
A. N. Voorhees, Clinton. 

Wm. D. Warciinan, Janesville. 
Moses F. Webb, New Brunswick. 

4 Henry M Low, Paterson. 
Wm. Ci. Latlirop, I'oonton. 
Thomas Cununiug, Kackensack. 
Henry B. Cro^by, Paterson. 

5 Hugh H. Bowne. Rahway. 
H. N. Cougar, Newark. 
Marcus L Ward, Newark. 
Denning Duer, VVeehawken. 

PENNSYLVANIA— TWENTT-SEVEN VOTES. 

At Large. 

David TTilmot, Towanda. 
Samuel A. I'urviance. Pittsburgh. 
Thaddeus Stevens, Lancaster. 
' John II. Ewing, Washington. 
Ilenrj D Mouie, Philadelphia. 
Andrew H Keoder, Easton. 
Titian J Colfee, Pittsburgh. 
Morrow B. Lowry, Erie. 
Districts, 

1 John M. Butler, Philadelphia. 
Elias Ward, do 

J. Money, do 

Wm. Elliott, do 

2 Geo. A. ColTee, do 
Richard Elli.<, do 
Francis Blackburn, do 
John M. Piimroy, do 

3 Wm. B. Mann, do 
James M'Manus, do 
Benj. U. Brown, do 
George Read, do 

4 A. C. r.obert.^, do 
Wm. H Kirn, do 
Wm. D. Kelly, do 
M. S. Buckley, Richmond. 

5 James Hooven, Norristown. 

Dr. C. M. Jackson, Philadelphia. 
William B. Thomas, Philadelphia. 
George W. Pnmroy, Philadelphia. 

6 John M. Broomal, Chester. 
Washington Townsend, West Chester. 
Joseph .J . Lewis, West Chester. 
Jacob S, Serrill, Darby. 

7 Caleb N. Ta.\ lor, Bristol. 
Joseph You'ig, .\llenTown. 
George Bei.sel, Allen Town. 
Henry J. Sae);er, Allen Town. 

8 Isaac Eckert, liedding. 
David E. Stout, Uedding. 
J. Kuabb. Kedding. 

J. Bowman Hell. Redding. 

9 0. J. Dicke\ , Lancaster. 

C. S. KautTiiiau, Columbia. 
Samuel Scoch, Columbia. 
Jos. D. Powiiall, Christiana. 
10 G. Dawson t oleman, Lebanon. 
Levi Kline, Lebanon. 



Jos Casey, Harrisbnrg. 
Wm. Cameron. Louihurg;. 

11 Robert M. Palmer, Potisville. 
Jacob Q. Krick, Pottsville. 

S. A. Bergstres.<er, Elysburg 
Wm. C Lawson, iMiltoti. 

12 W. W. Kctclium, W iike.-b<arre. 
P. M. Osterlunit, Juiiklianuijck. 
Frank .Stewart, Bei wick. 
Davis Alton, Caibondale. 

13 Chas. Albright, .Mauch Chunk. 
Wm. Davis, iStroud.-buig. 

W. II. Armstrong, Eis-on. 
Sam'l E. Diunnick, llonesdale. 

14 H. W. Tracy, ."-tiiiuiii,^ .- one. 
Hon Wm. jessup, Montio.se. 
F. E. Smith, Tio^a I'oint. 

Dr. Abel llumphre.vs, Tioga Point. 

15 Wm. Butler, LewisKin 

B. Rvish I'eterkin. L ckliaven. 
Lindsay Mihallev, .Ne > i crry. 
G B. Overton, ' 'oiidcr-pdrt. 

16 Kirk Haines, .MilliTsio^ n. 
W. B. Irvin, Meclianicsburg. 
Alex J. Frey. Yoik. 

Jacob S. Haidcman. N'ew Cumberland. 

17 Wm. M'Clellan. (.bambersbuig. 
D. MCaiinagby, Gett.\shurg. 
John J. Patterson. .Acadeniin. 
Francis Jordan Bedf' rd. 

18 A. A. Barker, El e i>biirg. 

S. M. Green, bailey's Forge. 
L. W. Hall, Altoi.na. 
Wm. H. Koons, Somerset. 

19 W M. Stewart. Imlinna. 
Darwin E. Phelps. Kittaning. 
Addison Lench, Leeclibuig. 
D. W. Shryok, Gr e sburg. 

20 Andrew Stewart, Uniimlown. 
Smith Fuller. Uniontown. 
Alex. Murdoch, Wrishington. 
Wm. E. Gapen, Wayne-burg. 

21 Wm. H. Mersh, Pittsburgh. 
Col. James A. Ekin Klizabeth; 
John F. Hravo McKeesport. 

J. J. Siebeneck, Pittsburgh. 

22 D. N. White, ^ewick ev. 
Stephen H. Guyer, Alletrhany City. 
John N. Purviance Butler ciiuuty. 
W. L Graham, Butler county. 

23 L. L. Mcliuffin, New Ca>tle. 
David Craig New ( astle. 
Wm. G. Brown, Mercer. 
John Allison, New Brighton. 

24 Henry Souther. Ridgway. 
S. P. Johnston. Warren. 
Jas.S Mcvers, Franklin. 
D. C. Gillaspie, Brooklyn. 

25 B. B. Vincent, Erie. 
Thomas J. Devore, Brie. 
J. C. Hayes. Mead vi lie. . 

S. Newton Pettis, Mea<lville. 

DELAWARE — THREE VOTES. 

Nathaniel B. Smitli. rs, Dover. 
John C. Clark, Delaware City. 
Benjamin C. Hopkin Vernon. 
Lewes Thompson, 1 lea<aiit Hill. 
Jo.shuaT. Heald, Wilmington. 
Alfred Short, Miltord. 

MARYLAND— IIGHT VOTES. 

At Large. 
Francis P Blair, Wa-iiiogton, D. C. 
Wm. L. Marshall. i;..ltimore. 

Districts. 

1 James Bryan, Cambridge. 

2 James Jetlery, Cuurcuville. 



126 



Wm. P. Ewinp. Flkton. 

3 KrancisS Corkrau, Haltimore. 
Jaiiu's F. Wagner. Raltiinore. 

4 Wm. E. Coale. Baltimore. 

5 Clias. Lee Annnnr, Frederick. 

6 Montgomerv Blnir, Washington, D. C. 

D. S. Oram," Church Creek. 

VIRGINIA — FIFTEEN VOTES. 

At Large. 
Alfred Caldwell, Wheeling. 
K. M Norton, do 

W. W. Gitt, Montgomery Co. Court House. 
J. C. Underwood, Clark Co. do 

Districts. 

1 Jacob Hornbrook, Wheeling. 
J. (J. .Jacob, Wellsburgh. 
Joseph Applegate, Well.sburgh. 

2 A. G. Robinson, Wheeling. 
R. Crawford, do 

3 Tho.s. Hornbrook, do 
J. M. Pumphrey, do 

4 R. H. Gray, Lynchburg. 
F. U. Norton. Wheeling. 

5 John Underwood. Prince William Court H. 
J. B. Brown. Alexandria. 

G W. J. Blackwood, Clark Co. Court House. 
J. T. Freeman, Hancocl^ Court House. 

7 A. W. Campbell. Wheeling. 
D. W. Roberts, Morgantown. 

8 W. E. Stevenson, Parkersburg. 
S. M. Peterson, do 

S. H. Woodward, Wheeling. 

9 James Wilson, do 

OHIO— TWENTT-THREE V0TB8. 
At Large. 
Hon. n. K. Cartter, Cleveland. 
Hon. V. B. Horton, Pomeroy. 
Hon Thomas Spooner, Redding. 
Hon. Conrad Broadbeck, Dayton. 

Districts. 

1 Benj. Eggleston, Cincinnati. 
Fred. Hassaureck, do 

2 R M. Corwine, do 
Joseph H. Barrett, do 

3 Wm Becket, Hamilton. 
P. P. Lowe, Dayton. 

4 G. D. Burgess. Troy. 
Jolin E. Cummings, Sidney. 

.5 David Taylor, lleRance. 

E. Graham, Perryburg. 

6 John M. Barrere. New Market. 
Reeder W. Clarke. Batavia. 

7 Hon. Thoa. Corwin, Lebanon. 
A. Hivling, Xenia. 

8 W. K. West, Bellefontaine. 
Levi Geiger, Urbana. 

y Earl Bill, Tiffin. 

D. W. .Swigart, Bucyru.s. 

10 J. V. Robinson, ir.. Portsmouth. 
Milton L. Clark. ChiUicothe. 

11 N. H. \'an Vorbees, Athens. 
A. C. Sands, Zelnski. 

12 Willard Warner, Newark. 
.Jonathan Renick, Circleville. 

13 John J. Gurk-v. Mt Gilead. 
P. N. Schuyler, Norwalk. 

14 James Monroe, Oberlin. 
O. U. Harn. Wooster. 

15 Hon. Columbus Delano, Mt. Vernon, 
R. K. Enos, Mlllersburg. 

16 Daniel AiiplcKate. Zanesville. 
Caleb A. Williams, Cliesterlield. 

17 0. J. Allbright, Cambridge. 
Wm. Wallace, Martin's Forry. 

18 M. Y. Beebe, Ravenna. 



Isaac Steese, Massillon. 

19 Robt. F. Paine, Cleveland. 
R. Hitchcock. Painesville. 

20 Joshua R. Giddings, Jefferson. 
Milton Sutliffe, Warren. 

21 Samuel Stokely, Steubenville. 

D. Arter, Carrollton. 

KEKTUCKT — TWELVE VOTES. 
At Large. 
Geo. D. Blakey, Russellville. 
A. A. Burton, Lancaster. 
Wm. D. Gallagher, Pewee Valley. 
Charles Hendley, Newport. 

Districts. 

1 Abner Williams, Covington. 
H. G. Otis, Louisville. 

2 Fred. Frische, Louisville. 

E. H Harrison, McKee. 

3 Joseph Glazebrook, Gla.sgow. 
Jos. W. Calvert, Bowling Green. 

4 John J. Hawes, Louisville. 

5 H. D. Hawes, Louisville. 
Lewis M. Dembitz, Louisville. 

6 Curtis Knight, King.^ton. 
Joseph Rawlings, White Hall. 

7 A. H. Merriwether, Louisville. 
Henry D. Hawes, Louisville. 

8 H. B. Broaddus. Ashland. 
L. Marston, Millersburg. 

9 Edgar Needham, Louisville. 
J. S. Davis. 

10 Jas. R. Whittemore, Newport. 
Hamilton Cummings, Covington. 

INDIANA — THIRTEEN VOTES. 

At Large. 
William T. Ott, New Albany. 
Daniel D. Pratt, Logansport. 
Caleb B. Smith, Indianapolis. 
P. A. Hackelman, Rushville. 

Districts. 

1 James C. Veatch, Rockport. 

C. M. Allen, Vincennes. 

2 Thos. C. Slaughter, Corydon. 
J. H. Butler. Salem. 

3 John R. Cravens, Madison. 
A. C. Vorhies. Bedford. 

4 Geo. Holland, Brookville. 
J. L. Yater, Versailles. 

b Miles Murphy, Newcastle. 
Walter March, Muncie. 

6 S. P. Oyler, Franklin, 
John S. Bobbs, Indianapolis. 

7 Geo. K. Steele, Rockville. 

D. C. Donohue, Green Castle. 

8 John Beard, Crawfordsville. 
J. N. Simms, Frankfort. 

9 Chaa. H. Test, Mudges Station. 
D. H. Hopkins, Crown Point. 

10 Geo. Moon, Warsaw. 
Geo. Emmerson, Angola. 

11 Wm. W. Connor, Noblesville. 
John M. Wallace, Marion. 

MICHIGAN — SIX VOTES. 
At Large. 
Austin Blair, Jackson. 
Walton W. Murphy, Jonesville. 
Thos. White Ferry, Grand Haven. 
J. J. St. Clair, Marquette. 

Districts. 

1 J. G. Peterson, Detroit. 
Alex. D. Crane, Dexter. 

2 Jesse G. Beeson. Dowagiac. 
William L. Stoughton, Sturgis. 



127 



3 Francis Quinn, Niles. 
Erastus Hussey, Battle Creek. 

4 D. C. BuckUinit, rontiac 

Michael T. C. Plessncr, Saginaw City. 

ILLINOIS— ELEVEN VOTES- 

At Large. 

N. B. Judtl, Chicago. 
Gustavus Koerner, Belleville. 
David Davis, Blooinington. 
0. H. Biowuing, Quinuy 

Diatriets. 

1 Jason Marsh, Bockford. 

Solon Cumraings, Craud de Tour. 

2 George Schneider, Chicago. 
George T. Smith, Fulton. 

3 B. C. Cook, Ottawa. 
0. L. Davis, Danville. 

4 Henry Grove, Peoria. 

E. W. Hazard, Galesburg. 

5 Wni. Boss, PittsBeld. 
James S. Erwin, Mt. Sterling. 

6 S.T. Logan Springfield. 
N. M. Knapp, Winchester. 

7 Thos. A. Marshall, Charleston. 
Wm. I'. Dole, i'aris. 

8 F. S. Kutherford, Alton. 
D. K. Green, Salem. 

9 James C. Sloo, Shawneetown. 
D. L. Phillips, Anna. 

WISCONSIN — FIVE VOTES. 

At Large. 

Carl Schurz, Milwaukee. 
Hans Crocker, Milwaukee. 
T. B. Stoddard, La Crosse. 
John P. McGregor, Milwaukee. 
Districts. 

1 H. L. Rann, Whitewater. 

C. C. Sholes, Kenosha. 

2 H S. Gibson, Hudson. 

J. R. Bennett, JanesviUe. 

3 Elisha Morrow, Green Bay. 
L. F. Frisliey, West Bend. 

MINNESOTA — POUR VOTES. 

At Large. 

John W. North, Northfield. 

D. A. Secombe, St. Anthony. 
Stephen Miller, St. Cloud. 

S. P. Jones, Rochester. 

Districts. 

1 A. H. Wagerner, New Ulm. 
Aaron Goodrich, St. Paul. 

2 John MeCusick, Stillwater. 
Simeon Smith, Chattield. 

IOWA — EIGHT VOTES. 

At Large. 
Wm. Penn Claik, Iowa City. 
L. C Noble, West Union. 
John A. Kasson. Des Moines. 
Henry O'Conner, Muscatine. 
J. F. Wilson, Fairfield. 
J. W. Rankin, Keokuk. 
M. L. Mcl'herson, Wintersett. 
C. F. Clarkson, Metropolis. 
N.J. Rusch, Davenport. 
H. P.Scholte, Pella. 
John Johns, Fort Dodge. 
Districts. 
1 Alvin Saunders, Mount Pleasant. 
J. C. Walker, Fort Madison. 



2 Jos. Caldwell, Ottumwa. 
M. Baker, Congdou. 

3 Beuj. Ut'clor, Sidney. 
Geo. A. Hawley, Leon. 

4 H. M. Hoxie, Des Moines. 
Jacob Butler, Miiscatine. 

5 Thos. Seeley, Guthiie Centre. 

C. C. Nourse, Des Moines. 

6 VVm. M.Stone, Knoxville. 
J, U. (irinnell, Griniii'U. 

7 Wni. A. Warren, Bellevue. 
John W. Thompson, Davenport. 

8 John Shane, Vinton. 
Wm. Smyth, Marion. 

9 Wm. B. Allison. Dubuque. 

A. F Brown, Cedar Falls. 

10 Reuben Noble, McGregor. 

E. G Bowdoin, Rockford. 

11 W. P. Hepburn, Marshalltown. 
J. J. Brown, Eldora. 

MISSOURI — NINE VOTES. 

At Large. 
Francis P. Blair, jr., St. Louis. 

B. Gratz Brown, St. Louis. 
F. Muench, Marthasville. 
J. O.Sittou, Hermann. 

Districts. 

1 P. L. Toy, St. Louis. 

C. L. Bernays, St. Louis. 

2 A. Krekle, St. Charles. 

A. Hammer, St. Louis. 

3 N. T. Doane, Trenton. 
Asa S. Jones, St. Louis. 

4 H. B. Branch, St. Joseph. 

G. W. H. Landon, St. Joseph. 

5 Jas. B. Gardenhire, Jefferson City. 

B. Bruns. JelTerson City. 

6 J. K. KiddjLinn. 

J. M. Richardson, Springfield. 

7 Jas. Lindsay, Ironton. 
Thos. Fletcher, DeSoto. 

CALIFORNIA — FOUR VOTES. 

At Large. 

F. P. Tracy, San Francisco. 
A. A. Sargent, Nevada. 

D. W. Cheeseman, Orville. 
J. C. Hinckley, Shasta. 

Chas. Watrous, San Francisco. 
Sam. Bell, Mariposa. 

D. J. Staples, Staples' Branch. 
J. R. McDonald, Haywards. 

OREGON — FIVE VOTES. 
Joel Burlingame, Scio, Oregon. 
Horace Greeley, New Yoik City. 
Henry Buckingham, Salem, Oregon. 
Eli Thayer, House Rep's, Washington, D. C. 
Frank Johnson, Oregon City. 

TEXAS — SIX VOTES. 

At Large. 
D. C. Henderson, Austin. 
G. A. Fitch, Austin. 
James P. Scott, San Antonio. 
A. A. Shaw, Little Elm. 

Districts. 

1 Gilbert Meyers, Galveston. 

2 M. S. C. Chandler, Galveston. 

KANSAS. 

A. C. Wilder, Leavenworth. 
John A. Martin, Atchison. 



128 



Wm. A. Phillips, Tawrence. 

WW R'ss. T(>|.eka. 

A. G. Proctor, ICiiiporia. 

John P. Hatiirscliicdt, Leavenworth. 

NEBRASKA — SIX VOTM. 

O. W Irish. Nebraska City. 
S. W. Elliert. I'lattsmouth 
E. D. W ebster, Omaha. 



John R. Meredith. Omnha. 
A. S Paddoeli, Koi t C^.lhcun. 
P. W. Witchcock, iinialia. 

DISTRICT OF COLOMBIA.. 

Geo. Harrington, \Va.-l]ingt' n. 
Joseph Geihavdt, Washington. 
G. A. Hall, Washington. 
J. A. Wyse, Washington. 



The Hon. Edward T). Blorgan of Now York, Chairman of the 
National Kcpaiilican Executive Conmiittoe, called the Convention to 
order, and read the call under which it had been summoned. He con- 
cluded by nominating the Hon. David Wilmot for temporary President. 
Mr. Wilmot, upon tuking the chair, made a very positive anti-slavery 
speech. A committee on Permanent Organization was constituted as 
follows : 



Maine — Leonard Andrews. 
Vermont — Hugh L. Henry. 
New Hainpshifc — Aaron H. Cragin. 
Mapsachii.setts — Linus tS. Comius. 
Connecticut — Arthur B. Calef. 
Rhode Island — Sim. on H. Greene. 
New York — Htnry II. Van Dyck. 
New Jersey — Ephraiiii Miirsh. 
Pennsylvania — T. J. Cotley. 
Delaware — Josluia T. Heil. 
Maryland— Jiinies Jtftiies. 
Virginia — Edward M. Norton. 
Ohio— V. B. Honon. 
Lidiana — P. A. llackleman. 



Illinois — William Ross. 
Michigan — Walter VV. Murphy. 
Wisconsin — John P. McGregor. 
Iowa — James F. Wilson. 
Minnesota — Simeon Smith. 
Missouri — Allen Hammer. 
Kansas— A. C. Wilder. 
California— Samiifl Bell. 
Oregon — Grant Johnson. 
Kentucky — Allen J Bristow. 
Texas— M. S. C. Chandler. 
Nebraska— 0. H Irish. 
District of Columbia — Geo. A. Hall. 



A delegate frona Kentucky — Mr. President, I would suggest that 
the names of all the States be called. [Applause.] 

The Chair — Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi [great laughter], Lou- 
isiana, Alnltama [laughter and hissing], Georgia, South Carolina 
[laughter]. North Carolina. [Feeble hisses and much Lughter.] I 
believe that includes the names of all the States. 

The couniiittee on Credeutials was made up as follows : 



Maine — Renssellaer Cram. 
New Hampshire — Jacob Benton. 
Vermunt — I'Alwanl C. Redingtou. 
Massachuseil.s — Timothy Davis. 
Connecticut — E. K. Foster. 
Rhode Island — Benedict Lapham. 
New York— Palmer V. Kellogg. 
New Jersey — Moses .M. \V('b)). 
Pennsylvania— J. N. Purviauce. 
D<luware — Lewes Thompson. 
Maryland — \Vm. E. Cole. 
Virginia — Jacob Hornbrook. 
Kentucky — Cliarles Ilendley. 
Ohio — Samuel Slokeley. 



Indiana — John E. Cravens. 
Illinois — Stephen T. Logan. 
Michigan — Francis Quinn. 
Wisconsiu — H. L. Ranu. 
Iowa — C. F. Claik.'~on. 
Minnesota — John McGuisick. 
Missouri — James B. Gird 'uhire. 
Kansas — Win. A. I'liillips. 
Nebraska — John R. Mncdith. 
Calitbraia — Chas. Watrous. 
Oregon — Joel Burlingame. 
Texas— D. C. Henderson. 
District of Columbia — James A. White. 



When the roll was called on this committee, three names were received 
with great applause — Greeley of " Oregon," Carl Schurz, and Francis 
P. lilair. Sen. Greeley had the greatest ovation, and though there is 
aa impression to the contrary, those who know him well, know that 



129 

nobody is more fond of the breath of popular favor than the philosophic 
Horaoe. 

The committee on Business was constituted as follows : 

Maine — John L. Stephens, Indiana — Walter Marks. 

New Hampshire — B. F. Martin. Micliiy,an— Austin lilair. 

Veruiout — Edwin D. Mason. Illinois— Thos. A. Marshall. 

Massachusetts— Saml. Hooper. Wisconsin — Elisha Morrow. 

Connecticut — Geo. H. Noble. Minnesota — S. I'. Jones. 

Rhode Island — Nath. B. Durl'ee. Iowa — Reuben Noble. 

New York — A. B. James. Missouri — S. G. Letcher. 

New Jersey — H. N. Cougar. California — J. C. Hinckley. 

Pennsylvania — Wm. I). Kelly. Oregon — Eli Thayer. 

Delaware — John C. Clark. Kansas — A. G. Proctor. 

Maryland— Wm. P. Ewing. Nebraska — Samuel W. Elbert. 

Virginia — John G. Jenks. District of Columbia — Jo&. Gerhardt. 

Ohio — R. M. Corwine. Texas — G. Moyers, 
Kentucky — Louis M. Dembitz. 

The Convention had proceeded thus far with its business, when a 
communication, inviting the Convention to take an excursion on the 
lake, was received and accepted, and then indefinitely debated, much 
time being frittered away. The question as to whether it would be 
proper to constitute the committee on Platfurm, before a permanent or- 
■ganizution was effected, was also discussed. Convention adjourned 
untd 5 P. M. 

Unon reassembling, the report of the committee on Permanent Or- 
ganization was in order and made. The Hon. Geo. Ashmun, the pre- 
siding officer, was escorted to his chair by Preston King and Carl 
Sehurz,.th(! one short and round as a barrel and fat as butter, the other 
tall and slender. The contrast was a curious one, and so palpable that 
the whole multitude saw it, and gave a tremendous cheer. Mr. Ashmun 
was speedily discovered to be an excellent presiding officer. His clear, 
full-toned voice was one refreshing to hear amid the clamors of a Con- 
vention. He is cool, clear-beaded and executive, and will despatch bus- 
iness. He is a treasure to the Convention, and will lessen ami t-hortea 
its labors. His speech was very good for the occasion, delivered with 
just warmth enough. He was animated, and yet his emotions did not 
get the better of him. In conclusion he referred, as if it were an un- 
doubted fact, to the "brotherly kindness" he had everywhere seen dis- 
played. He had not heard a harsh word or unkind expression pass 
between delegates. Now, the gentleman must have kept very close, or 
his hearing is deplorably impaired. He certainly could not stay long 
amono- the Seward men at the Richmond House, without hearing unkind 
and profane expressions used respecting brother delegates of conserva- 
tive notions, tie would very frequently hear brother Greeley, for 
example, who is hated intensely by them, called a "d — d old ass." 
Indeed, that is a very mild specimen of the forms of expression used. 
Mr. Ashmun was, however, as nearly correct in his statement of the 
case, as Caleb Cusbing was at Charleston in adjourning the Conven- 
tion, in praising it for unexampled decorum. It is worthy of remark, 
that he had nothing directly to say of the "nigger." The Hon. David 
Wilmot had attended to that department sufficiently. 



130 

A gavel was presented in behalf of the mochanles of Chicago, by 
Mr. Judd, to tlie presiding officer. It was made of the oak of the 
flag-t'hip of Com. Perry, the Lawrence — "Don't give up the ship." 

Mr. Judd said : 

There is a motto, too, adopted by that mechanic, which should be a 
motto for every Kepublican of this Convention — the motto borne upon 
the flag of the gallant Lawrence, " Don't give up the ship." [Great 
applause.] Mr. President, in presenting this to jou, in addition to the 
motto furnished by the mechanic who manufactured this, as an evidence 
of his warmth and zeal in the liepublican cause, I would recommend to 
this Convention to believe that the person who will be nominated here, 
can, when the election is over in November, send a despatch to Wash- 
ington in the language of the gallant Perry, " We have met the enemy, 
and they are ours." [Ten ific cheering.] 

The committee on Resolutions was appointed : 

Maine— George F. Talbott. Indiraia— Wm. T. Otto. 

New Hampshire — Amos Tuck. Michigan — Austin Blair. 

Vermont — Ebenezer M. BriggB. lUiuois — Gustavus Kocuer. 
Massaciiusetts — George S. Bouivvell. Wisconsiu — Carl Schurz. 
Rhode Island — Benjamin T. Eames. Minnesota — Stephen Miller. 

Connecticut — S. W. Kellogg. Iowa — J. A. Kasson. 

New Yorli — II. R. Selden. Missouri — Chas. L. Bernays. 

N(nv Jersey — Thos. H. Dudley. California — F. P. Tracy. 

Pennsylvania — William Jessup. Oregon — Horace Greeley. 

Delaware— N. B. Smith. Texas— H. A. Shaw. 

Maryland— F. P. Blair. D. of Columbia— G. A. Hall. 

Virginia — Alfred Caldwell. Nebraska — A. Sidney Gardner. 

Ohio — Joseph H. Barrett. Kansas — John P. Hatterschtcdt. 
Kentucky — George D. Blakey. 

The Convention adjourned without transacting any further business. 

The question on which every thing turns is whether Seward can be 
nominated. His individuality is the pivot here, just as that of Douglas 
was at Charleston. 

Horace Crecley and Eli Thayer have agreed upon the following res- 
olution, which Greeley is at work to make one of the planks in the plat- 
form : * 

Resolved, That holding of liberty to be the natural birthright of every human 
being, we maintain that slavery can only exist where it has been previously es- 
tablished by laws constitutionally enacted ; and we are inflexibly opposed to its 
establishment in the Territories by legislative, executive, or judicial interven- 
tion. 

The first part of this resolution is Greeley's, the latter part Thayer's. 
It is the nearest right of any platform resolution anywhere adopted or 
proposed, being nearest to real popular sovereignty, and Greeley thinks 
he can carry it through the Platform committee. It is called the Ore- 
gon Platform. 

The scenes when the doors of that part of the Wigwam set apart for 
the masculine public in general, are opened, are highly exciting and 

• Mr. firepley did not HccompUsh hia purpose rpfrardin^ this resolution. But it will be found, 
opon exainin.iUoii of tlio Kepublicaii I'latform, tliat it does uot assert the duty of Congress to 
iulorvcne iu llic Turriturien to oxoliide Slavery. 



131 

amusino'. This afternoon the rush for places was tremonrlons. Three 
doors about twenty feet wide each, were simultaneously thrown open, 
and three torrents of men roared in, rushing hcaillong for front posi- 
tions. The standing room, holding four thousand five hundred per- 
sons, was packed in about five minutes. The galleries, where only 
gentlemen accompanied by ladies are admitted, and which contains 
nearly three thousand persons,, was already full. There was a great 
deal of fun, and some curious performances, in filling the galleries. 
Ladies to accompany gentlemen were in demand — school-girls were 
found on the street, and given a quarter each to see a gentleman safe 
in. Other girls, those of undoubted character (no doubt on the sub- 
ject whatever), were much sought after as escorts. One of them being 
asked to take a gentleman to the gallery, and offered half a dollar for 
so doing, excused herself by saying she had already taken two men in 
at each of the three doors, and was afraid of arrest if she carried the 
enterprise any further. An Irish woman passing with a bundle of 
clothes under her arm was levied upon by an " irrepressible," and see- 
ing him safely into the seats reserved for ladies and accompanying gen- 
tlemea, retired with her fee and bundle. Another "irrepressible" 
sought out an Indian woman who was selling moccasins, and attempted 
to escort her in. This was a little too severe however. He was in- 
formed that she was no lady — and the point was argued with considera- 
ble vehemence. It was finally determined that a squaw was not a lady. 
The young Republican protested indignantly against the policeman's 
decision, claiming equal rights for all womankind. 

The Repuldieans have all divided into two classes, the "irrepressi- 
bles" and the "conservatives." 

The favorite word in the Convention is " solemn." Every thing is 
solemn. In Charleston the favorite was "crisis." Here -there is 
something every ten minutes found to be solemn. In Charleston there 
was a crisis nearly as often. I observed as many as twenty-throe in 
one day. 

A new ticket is talked of here to-night, and an informal meeting 
held in this house since I have been writing this letter, has given it an 
impetus. It is " Lincoln and Hickman." This is now the ticket as 
against Seward and Cash. Clay. 

The Ohio delegation continues so divided as to be without influence. 
If united it would have a formidable influence, and might throw the 
casting votes between candidates, holding the balance of power between 
the East and the West. 



SECOND DAY 



Rkpubucan Wigwam, I 



Chicago. May 17, 18fi0. 

Masses of people poured into town last night and this morning, 

expecting the nomination to be made to-day, and desiring to be present. 

All adjectives might be fairly exhausted in describing the crowd. It i^ 



132 

ft 

mighty ami overwlidming ; it can only be numbered by tens of tliou- 
sands. The press abi)ut the hotels this nioniiiig was crushing. Two 
thousand persons t )()k breakfast at the Treniont House. 

Many of the delegates kept up the excitement nearly all night. At 
two o'clock this morning part of the Missouri delegation were singing 
songs ia their parlor. There were still a crowd of fellows caucusing — 
and the glasses were still clinking in the bar rooms — and far down the 
street a brass band was making the night musical. 

The Seward men made a demonstration this morning in the form of 
a procession. The scene at the Richmond House as they formed and 
marched away after their band of music — the band in splendid uniform 
and the Sewarditcs wearing badges — was exceedingly animating and 
somewhat picturesque. The band was giving, with a vast volume of 
melody, "-0 Isn't he a darling V — the procession was four abreast, 
filino- away in a cloud of dust — and one of their orators, mounted upon 
a door-step, with hat and cane in bis hands, was haranguing them as a 
captain might address his soldiei'S marching to battle. The Reward 
procession was heedless of the dust as regular soldiers, and strode on 
with gay elasticity and jaunty bearing. 

As they passed the Tremont House where the many masses of the 
opponents of "Old Irrepressible" were congregated, they gave three 
throat-tearing cheers for Seward. It will be a clear case if he is not 
nominated, that the failure cannot be charged to his friends. Few men 
have had friends who would cleave unto them as the Sewardites to their 
great man here. 

The Pennsylvanians declare, if Seward were nominated, they would 
be immediately ruined. They could do nothing. The majority against 
them would be counted by tens of thousands. New Jerseyites say the 
same thing. The Indianians are of the same opinion. They look 
heart-broken at the suggestion that Seward has the inside track, and 
throw up tlieir hands in despair. They say Lane will be beaten, the 
Legislature pass utterly into the hands of the Democracy, and the two 
Republican Senators hoped for be heard of no more. Illinois agonizes 
at the mention of the name of Seward, and says he is to them the sting 
of political death. His nomination woulil kill off Trumbull, and give 
the Legislature into the hands of Democrats, to make the next Con- 
gressional apportionment. Amid all these cries of distress, the Sew- 
ardites are true as steel to their champion, and they will cling to "Old 
Irrepressible," as they call him, until the last gun is fired and the big 
bell rings. 

The crowd in the Wigwam this morning is more dense than ever. 
The thing was full yesterday, but it is crammed to-day. 

The following communication was read : 

" To the IIononMe PreMdent of the National Rqmhlmm Convention: 

" Sir — Can yuu not arrange to send out some effective speaker, to 
entertain twenty thousand Republicans and their wives, outside the 
buildmgV " 

There were many expressions of a desire to proceed at once to busi- 
ness. But the moment the connnittee on Rules reported, it was seen 
tliat there was to be an "irrepressible conflict" raging through the day, 



183 

m 

about preliminary matters. The majority reported that a majority of 
the votes of the whole Electoral College ot" the Union, t-lloiild be 
required to nominate candidates for President and Viee-l^re.sident. 
The minority report was that a niajdrity of the voles in the Convention 
only, should be required to nominate. 

The fourth rule as reported by the majority, was a follows : 
Rule 4. 304 votes, beinu; a majority of the whole number of votes 
when all the States of the Union are represented in this Convention, 
according to the rates of representation presented in Rule 2, shall be 
required to tiominate the candidates of this Convention for the offices 
of President and Vice-President. 

The Convention was proceeding into battle on this subject, when 
Cartter of Ohio suggested that they were about to undertake the serious 
business without the report of the committee on Credentials. War 
then took place about credentials. The anti-Seward men were anxious 
to put out Virginia and Texas, particularly Texas, fearing that those 
States would decide the contest in favor of Seward. A great deal of 
speech-making followed. David Wilmot made an attack on delegations 
from slave States that had no constituencies. A Marylander replied to 
him with great force, sneering at the Pennsylvanians as too cowardly 
to bear the Republican banner, and so docile as to sneak under the flag 
of a People's Party. "First blood for the delegate from Maryland." 
The name of the young man who drew it was Armour. I have seldom 
heard so plump a speech. Every sentence was a blow " straight from 
the shoulder," and when he left the floor the author of the Wilmot 
Proviso had gone to grass and come to grief. The next thing was a 
speech from Dr. Blake.-ly of Kentucky, who mentioned that Kentucky 
bad voted for Wilmot for Vice-President in 1856, in the Philadelphia 
Convention. He inquired whether he could be forgiven for that sinf 
Cries of "Yes," and he sat down. "First knock-down blow for old 
Kentucky." There was at last a vote on the recommitment of the 
report of the comniittee on Credentials. The following was the vote : 

States. 3«/s. Kai/s. States. Yeas. Nays. 

Maine 3 V.i Ohio 46 

New Hampshire 9 1 Indiana 26 

Vermont 9 1 Missouri 4 14 

Massachusetts 13 9 Michigan 12 

Rhode Island 8 Illinois 22 

Connecticut 10 2 Wisconsin 10 

New York.... 1 69 Iowa 8 

New Jersey 14 Californa 4 2 

Pennsylvania SS^ \ Minnesota 8 

Maryland 4 6 Oregon 5 

Delaware 1 5 ■ 

Virginia 30 275J 172^ 

Kentucky 24 

This was not a test vote, but it worried the Seward men exceedingly, 
as it looked to the exclusion of the delegates from Texas. 

The debate preceding was really entertaining and full of fire. There 
has not been in any previous Republican Convention sharp-shooting so 
keen, and sarcasm so bitter and incisive. The Conveutioa is very like 



No. of 




No. of 


No. of 


Electl 


Stales. 


Dele- 


Eled'l 


votes. 




gates. 


votes. 


8 


Indiana 


... 26 


13 


5 


Missouri 


....18 


9 


5 


JVIiehigan 


....12 


G 


13 


Illinois 


....22 


1] 


4 


Wisconsin , 


...10 


5 


6 


Iowa 


,...8 


4 


35 


California , 


....8 


4 


7 


Minnesota 


... 8 


4 


27 


Oregon 


... 5 


3 


8 


Territories. 






3 


Kansas 


.... 6 




15 


Nebraska 


6 




12 


District of Columbia., 


,... 2 




23 









134 

the old Democratic article. We only occasionally hear the sentimental 
twang, the puritanic intonation that indicates the ancient and savory 
article of anti-shiveryi.sm. The truth is the Republican party is rapidly 
becoming; Democratized in its style of operations. 

The Convention took a recess. 

Upon reassembling, the committee on Credentials reported, through 
its chairman, that it found gentlemen entitled to seats in the following 
States, and each State to the following number of delegates : 

No. of 
States Dele- 

gates. 

Maine l(j 

New Hampshire 10 

Vermont 10 

Massachusetts 2(i 

Rhode Island 8 

Connecticut 12 

New York 70 

New Jersey 14 

Pennsylvania 54 

Maryland 11 

Delaware 6 

Virginia 23 

Kentucky 23 

Ohio 46 

[Criesof "Texas," "Texas."] The chairman, Mr. Benton of New 
Hampshire, said : The committee have considered the question in re- 
gard to the representation from the State of Texas ; they have given to 
the examination all that care which they were able to, and which the 
time from tlie adjournment of the Convention this forenoon would allow, 
and they have instructed me almost unanimously, with a solitary vote 
as an exception, to report that Texas be allowed six votes in this Con- 
vention. [Tremendous applause and cries of "Good," "good."] It 
was proved before the committee that the Convention which elected the 
delegates from Texas — resident delegates who are here in attendance, 
was a mass Convention ; that it was called upon a petition signed by 
some three hundred of the legal voters of Texas. [Applause.] That 
that call was published in some two of the German papers published in 
the State ; that written notices and advertisements were posted up in 
various parts of Texas, where there is any number of people in favor 
of the principles of the Republican party, and the committee were al- 
most unanimously of the opinion that these delegates, elected under 
these circumstances, were fairly entitled to act as the representatives of 
the Republican })arty of the State of Texas. [Prolonged applause.] 

The question being on the adoption of the report, it was adopted 
unanimously amid great cheering. 

The report of the committee on Rules was taken up, and after inter- 
esting speeches made on both sides, the fourth rule of the majority re- 
port was amended l)y substituting the minority report, which was that a 
simple ni ijority should nominate — the following was the vote on the 
substitution : 



136 '^V^ 



tA 



States. 



Yeas. Naf/ti. 



States. 



Yeas 



Nays. 








Missdviri 

Michi<:;in 

Illinois 


...» 

..r2 

. . . 7 


18 




3 

4 


' Texas 

Wisconsin 


.. f! 
. . . 10 






A 


Iowa. 


5 


3 





California 


.. 8 
... 8 
... 3 

. 6 





1 
G 

n 


Minnesota 

Or 'son 

Territories. 
Kansas 




1 




8 
9 
9 
1 


Nebraska 

^ District of Columbia. . 


... 6 

... 2 

358i 







Maine Ifi 

New Hampshii-e 10 

Vermont 10 

Massachusetts 22 

Rhode Island 4 

Connecticut 8 

New York 70 

New Jersey 12 

Pennsylvania 385 

Maryland 5 

Delaware 6 

Virginia 13 

Kentucky 10 

Ohio ...' 32 

Indiana 25 

The platform was now reported. The platform was received with 
immense enthusiasm. Several sections, at the demand of the audience, 
were read twice. Pennsylvania went into spasms of joy over the 
" Tariff Plank," her whole delegation rising and swinging hats and 
canes. 

Mr. Cartter — Mr. Chairman : That report is so eminently unques- 
tionable from beginning to end, and so eloquently carries through with 
it its own vindication, that I do not believe the Convention will desire 
discussion upon it, and I therefore call the previous question upon it. 
[Applause, and mingled cries of " Good, good,'* and " No, no."] 

Mr. Giddings — I arise, sir, solemnly to appeal to my friend. [Great 
confusion; cries of "Withdraw the previous question." Al voice — 
" Nobody wants to speak, but we don't want to be choked off," etc.] 

Mr. Cartter — I insist upon the previous question. 

Mr. Giddings — I arise, and I believe I have the right, with the leave 
of my colleague, to offer a short amendment before the previous question 
is called. 

Mr. Cartter — T did it to cut you off and all other amendments, and 
all discussion. [Great confusion, and cries of " Giddings " by the audi- 
ence.] 

After further discussion and confusion, a vote was taken on sustain- 
ing the call for the previous question, resulting as follows : 

States. Yeas. 

Maine 1 

New Hampshire 

Vermont 

Massachusetts 4 

Rhode Island 

Connecticut 1 

New York 25 

New Jersey 12 J 

Pennsylvania 5 

Maryland 

Delaware 4 

Virginia 17 

Kentucky 10 

Ohio 28 

Indiana 20 



Nays. 
14 
10 


States. 

Missouri 

Michigan 


Yeas. 
.. 
.. 8 


Nays. 

18 

4 


10 


Illinois 


..14 


8 


21 

8 


Texas 

Wisconsin 


.. 

.. 8 


6 
2 


11 


Io%va 


.. 2 


6 


45 


California 


.. 


8 


u 




... 


8 


53^ 




.. 2 


2 


n 

2 


Territories. 
Kansas 


.. 


6 


6 


Nebraska 


.. 2 


4 


10 

18 
6 


District of Columbia. 


.. 
155 


2 
301 



136 

jMr. Cidilinps — ^Ir. Prci^itlent, I propose to offer, after tlie first reso- 
lutiun as it stands hero, as a declaration of principles, the following : 

That we solt.'innly reassiTt thn solf-cvident triitlis that all men are ciidowecl 
by tbeir Creator with certain inalienaltlf rights, among- which are those of life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness [cheers] ; that governments are instituted 
among men to secure the enjoyment of these rigbts. 

The first resolution was as follows : 

EeH)lved. That we, the delegated representatives of the RepnVilican electors of 
the United States, in Convcntinn assembUd. in discharge of the duty we owe to 
our constituents and our country, unite in the following declarations. 

The second sectioQ of the Platform as originally reported was in 
these words : 

2. That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of 
Indepcndi'ucc and emlxidii d in tht Fi di ral Constitution, is essential to the pre- 
servation of our R( publican institutions ; and that the Federal Constitution, 
the rights of the States, and the Uuion of the States, must and shall be preserved. 

Mr. Giddings made a short speech in favor of his amendment, con- 
cluding : 

Now, I propose to maintain the doctrines of our fathers. I propose 
to nuiintain the fundamental and primal issues upon which the govern- 
ment was founded. I will detain this Convention no longer. I offer 
this because our party was formed upon it. It grew upon it. It 
has existed upon it — and when you leave out this truth you leave out 
the party. 

Mr. Cartter called for the rending of the second section of the plat- 
form. It was read. Giddings's amendment was voted down. The 
old mnn quickly rose, and made his way slowly toward the door. A 
dozen delegates begged him not to go. But he considered every thing 
lost, ev(n honor. His Philadelphia Platform has not been reaffirmed. 
The " twin relics " were not in the new creed. And now the Declara- 
tion of Independence had been voted down ! He must go. He got 
along as far as the New York delegation, where he was eonifoited by as- 
surances that the Declaration would be tried again ; but he left the Con- 
vention — actually seceded in sorrow and anger. 

Mr. Wilmot of Pennsylvania — I move that the resolutions be adopt- 
ed separately. [Cries of '• No," and " Take them in a lot," etc.] I 
have an amendment to offer which I believe will commend itself to the 
good sen.se of every gentleman here. The amendment is this : In the 
fourteenth resoluti(/n we say "that the Republican party is opposed to 
any clumge in our Naturalization Laws, or any State legislation by 
which the rights of ciiizcnship hitherto accorded to immigrants from 
foreign lands sbyll be abridged or impaired ; and in favor of giving a 
full and efficient proteciion to the rights of all ela.sses of citizens, 
whether native or naturalized, both at home and abroad." My amend- 
ment is to strike out the words "State legislntion," because it conflicts 
directly with the doctrine in the fourth resolution, which reads thus : 

" That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and 
especially the right of each State to order and control its own domestic 



137 

institutions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to 
that balance of powers on which the perfection and endurance of our 
political fabric depends ; and we denounce the lawless invasion, by 
armed fi>rce, of the soil of any State or Territory, no matter under what 
pretest, as among the gravest of crimes." 

The resolution would then read, "That the Eepuhlican party is op- 
posed to any change in our naturalization laws, by which the rights of 
citizenship hitherto accorded to immigrants from foreign lands shall be 
abridged or impiaired." 

It being explained that Mr. Wilmot was mistaken, in presuming that 
there was any assault on State Rights meditated, he withdrew his amend- 
ment. Carl Schurz however made a speech on the subject. Tie had 
insisted on having the very words in the platform that ^Vilmot had ob- 
jected to. He said: 

It has been very well said that it was not the purpose of this resolu- 
tion to declare that no State has the right to regulate the suflfrage of its 
citizens by legislative enactment, but it was the purpose to declare that 
the Republican party, in its national capacity, is opposed to any such 
thing in principle. 

Mr. Hassaureck of Ohio made a thrilling little speech. 

]\]r. Curtis of New York obtained the floor and said : 

I then offer as an amendment to the report, as presented by the com- 
mittee, the following : That the second clause of the report shall read, 
" That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declara- 
tion of Independence and embodied in the Federal Constitution " — and 
then, sir, I propose to amend by adding these words, " That all men 
are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
inalienable rights ; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness ; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted 
among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the gov- 
erned " — then proceed — "is essential to the preservation of our Re- 
publican institutions ; and that the Federal Constitution, the Rights of 
the States, and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved." 
[Great applause, and many gentlemen struggling for the floor.] 

A point of order was raised that this amendment had been once 
voted down. The chair, under a misapprehension, sustained the point. 
Mr. Blair of Missouri proposed to appeal from the decision of the 
chair, but whereas it appeared that the amendment offered by Mr. 
Giddings had been the first clause, and that this amendment was offered 
to the second clause, it was pronounced in order. 

Mr. Curtis made a short speech. He said : 

I have to a>k this Convention whether they are prepared to go upon 
the record and before the country as voting down the words of the 
Declaration of Independence? [Cries of " No," " no," and applause.] 
I ask gentlemen gravely to consider that in the amendment which I 
have proposed, I have done nothing that the soundest and safest man 
in all the land might not do; and I rise simply — fur I am now sitting 
down — I rise simply to ask gentlemen to think well before, upon the 
free prairies of the West, in the summer of ISGO, they dare to wince 
and quail before the men who in Philadelphia, in 1770 — in Philadel- 



138 

pbia, in llio Arch-Keystone State, so amply, so nobly represented upon 
tbis piatlorui to-day — before thoy dare to shrink truni repeating ibe 
words that these great men enunciated. [Terrific applause.] 

This w.is a strung appeal and took the Convention by storm. It was 
a great personal triumph for Cuitis. His classical features, literary 
fame, piea>ing style as a speaker, and the force of his case, called at- 
tention to hiui, and gave him the ear of the Convention, and gave hitn 
the triumph. And the Declaration again became part of the platform 
of the Republican party. 

THE PLATFORM 

now stood : 

Rcxolved, That we, the delegated representatives of the Republican electors of 
the rniicd Slates, in Convention assemblid, in discharge of the duty we owe to 
our constituents and our country, unite in the following declarations : 

1. That tlie history of the nation during the last four years, has fully estab- 
lished the propriety and necessity of the organization and perpetuation of the 
Republican party, and that the causes which called it into existence are perma- 
nent in their nature, and now, more than ever before, demand its peaceful and 
constitutional triumph. 

2. That the maintenance of the principles promulgated in the Declaration of 
Independence and embodied in the Federal Constitution. "That all men are 
created equal ; that thty are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable 
rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ; that to 
secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just 
powers from the consent of the governed,'' is essential to the preservation of 
our Republican institutions; and that the Federal Constitution, the Rights of 
the States, and the Union of the States, must and shall be preserved. 

3. That to the Union of the States this mition owes its unprecedented increase 
in population, its surprising development of material resources, its rapid aug- 
mentation of wealth, its happiness at hoiue, and its honor abroad ; and we hold 
in abhorrence all schemes for Disunion, come from whatever source they may: 
And we congratulate tlie country that no Republican member of Congress has 
uttered or countenanced the threats of Disunion so often made by Democratic 
members, without rebuke and with applause from their political associates; and 
we denounce those threats of disunion, in case of a popular overtlnow of their 
ascenihmey as denying the vital principles of a free government, and as an 
avowal of contc tnplated treason, which it is the imperative duty of an indig- 
nant People sternly to rebuke and forever silence. 

4. That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and especially 
the right of each State to order and control its own domestic institutions ac- 
cording to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to that balance ot powers 
on which the perfection and endurance of our political fabric depends ; and we 
denounce the lawless invasion by armed force of the soil of any State or Terri- 
tory, no matter under what pretext, as among the gravest of crimes. 

h. That the present Democratic Administration has far exceeded our worst 
apprehensions, in its measureless subservi<;ncy to the exactions of a sectional 
interest, as especially evinced in its desperate exertions to force the infamous 
Lecompton Constitution upon the protesting people of Kansas ; in construing 
the personal relation between master and servant to involve an unqualified 
propi'rty in p -rsons ; in its attempted enforcement, eve ry where, on land and sea, 
through the intervention of Congress and of the Federal Courts, of the exir me 
pretensions of a purely local interest; and in its general and unviuying abuse 
ol the power intrusted to it by a confiding people. 

fi. That the people justly view with iUarm the reckless extravagance which 
pervades every department of the Federal (iovernmeut ; that a return to rigid 
economy and accountability is indispensable to arrest the systematic plunder of 
the public treasury by favored partisans ; while the recent startling develop- 



139 

ments of frauds and corruptions at the Federal motropolis, show Uiat an entire 
change of administration is imperatively d 'mandid. 

7. That tlie in w doi;nia that the Constitution, of its own force, carries shivery 
into any or all of the 'I'erritories of the United States, is a dangerous politrcaTher- 
esy, at variance with the explicit provisions of that instrument itself, with con- 
temporaneous exposition, and with legislative and judicial precedent ; is revo- 
lutionary in its teudeacy, and subversive of the peace and harmony of the 
country. 

8. That the normal condition of all the territory of the United States is that 
of freedom : That as onr Republican fathers, when they hud abolished slavery 
in all our national territory, ordained that " no person siionld be deprived of 
life, liberty, or property, without due process of l.tw," it become's our duty, by 
legislation, whenever such legislation is necessary, to maintain this provision of 
the Constitution against all attempts to violate it ; and we deny the authority 
of Congress, of a Territorial Legislature, or of any individuals, to give legal ex- 
istence to slavery in any Territory of the United States. 

9. That we brand the recent re-opening of the African slave-trade, under the 
cover of our national flag, aided by pervensious cf judicial power, as a crime 
against humanity and a burning shame to our country and age; and we call 
upon Congress to take prompt and efficient measures for the total and tinal sup- 
pression of that execrable traffic. 

10. That in tha recent vetoes, by their Federal Governors, of the acts of the 
Legislatures of Kansas and Nebraska, prohibiting slavery in those Territories, 
we lind a practical illustration of the boasted Democratic principle of Non-in- 
tervention and Popular Sovereignty embodied in the Kausa>-Nebraska bill, and 
a demonstration of the deception aud fraud involved therein. 

11. That Kansas should, of right, be immediately admitted as a State under 
the Constitution recently formed and adopted by her people, aud accepted by 
the House of Representatives. 

12. That, while providing revenue for the support of the General Government 
by duties upon imports, sound policy requires such an adjustment of these im- 
posts as to encourage the development of the industrial interests of the whole 
country ; aud we commjud that policy of national exchanges, which secures to 
the working men liberal wages, to agriculture remunerating prices, to mechan- 
ics and manufacturers an adequate reward for their skill, labor and enterprise, 
and to the nation commercial prosperity and independence. 

13. That we protest against any sale or alienation to others of the Public 
Lauds held by actual settlers, and against any view of the Free Homestead pol- 
icy which regards the settlers as paupers or suppliants lor public bounty ; and 
we demand the passage by Congress of the complete aud satisfactory Home- 
stead measure which has already passed the House. 

14. That the Republican party is opposed to any change in our Naturaliza- 
tion Laws or any State legislation by which the rights of citizenship hitherto 
accorded to immigrants from foreign lands shall be abridged or impaired ; and 
in favor of giving a lull and efficient protection to the rights of all classes of 
citizens, whether native or naturalized, both at home and aliroad. 

15. That appropriations by Congress for River and Harbor improvements of a 
National character, required for the accommodation and security of an existing 
commerce, are authorized by the Constitution, and justified by the obligation of 
Government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. 

IG. That a Railroad to the Pacific Ocean is imperatively demanded by the in- 
terests of the whole country ; that the Federal Government ought to render im- 
mediate and efficient aid in its construction ; and that as preliminary thereto, a 
daily Overland Mail should be promptly established. 

17. Finally, having thus set forth our distinctive principles and views, vre in- 
vite the co-operation of all citizens, however differing on other questions, who 
substantially agree with us in their affirmance and support. 

So it was adopted. The vote was taken about six o'clock, and upon 
the announcenient being made a scene ensued of the most astounding 
character. All the thousands of men in that enormous wigwam com- 
menced swinging their hats, and cheering with intense enthusiasm, and 



140 

the other thousnnfls of ladies waved their handkerchiefs and elapped 
their hands. The roar that went up from that mass of ten thousand 
human beings under one roof was indeserihahle. Such a spectacle as 
was presented for snnie minutes has never before been witnessed at a 
Convention. A herd of buffaloes or lions could not have made a more 
tremendous roaring. 

As the great assemblage poured through the streets after adjournment, 
it .seemed to electrify the city. The agitation of the masses that pack 
the hotels and throng the streets, and are certainly forty thousand strong, 
was such as made the little excitement at Charleston seem insignificant. 

The Convention adjnunied without taking a ballot lor President, as 
the tally-sheets were not prepared. 

The tactics of the Seward men in convention today were admirable. 
Tliey made but one mi>take, that of voting against the recommitment of 
the report of the committee on Credentials. They made a beautiful 
fight ay;ainst Wilniot's proposition to examine into the constituencies of 
slave State delegations, putting forward men to strike the necessary 
bh)ws who were not suspected of Sewardism. There was also a splen- 
did fight on the sulject of the two-thirds rule (as it was in effect), 
which was .sought to be used to slaughter Seward. So perfect were the 
Seward tactics, that this rule, which his opponents had hoped to carry, 
was made odious, and defeated by a two-thirds vote. Then Giddings 
was anxious, beyond all description, to have the initial words of the 
Declaration of Independence in the platform. In attempting to get 
them in, he was snulbed by Seward's opponents most cruelly. He 
had been working against Seward, and was not without influence. 
Now a New York man took up and carried through his precious amend- 
ment. So confident were the Seward men, when the platform was adopt- 
ed, of their ability to nominate their great leader, that they urged an 
immediate ballot, and would have had it if the cltMks had not reported 
that they were unprovided with tally-sheets. The cheeiing of the 
thousands of spectators during the day, indicated that a very laro-e 
share of the outside pressure was for Seward. There is somethino' al- 
most irresistible here in the prestige of his fame. 

The New lorkers here are of a class unknown to "Western Republi- 
can politicians. They can drink as much whiskey, swear as loud and 
long, sing as bad songs, and "get up and howl " as ferociously as any 
crowd of Democrats you ever heard, or heard of. They are oppos- 
ed, as they say, "to being too d — d virtuous." They hoot at the 
idea that Seward could not sweep all the Northern States, and swear 
that he would have a party in every slave State, in less than a year, 
that would clean out tlie disunionists, from shore to shore. They slap 
each other on the back with the emphasis of delight when they meet, 
and rip out " How are you?" with a " How are you hoss?" style, that 
would do honor to Old Kaintuck on a bust. At night those of them 
who are not engaged at caucusing, are doing that which ill-tutored youths 
call " raising li — 1 generally." 

Wherever you find them, the New York politicians, of whatever party, 
are a peculiar people. 

The Scward men have been in high feather. Tbey entertain no par- 



141 

tide of doubt of bis nomination in the morning. Tlioy bave a cbam- 
pagne supper in their rooms at the llichmond 11 luso to-night, and bave 
bands of music serenading the various delegations at their fjuarters. 
Three liundred bottle.- of champagne arc said to have been craekod at 
the llichnioiid. This may be an exaggerati(m, but I am not inclined to 
think the quantity overstated, for it flowed freely us water. 

The delegation here is a queer compound. There is a party of toler- 
ably rough fellows, of whom Tom Hyer is leader, and there is Thurlow 
Weed (called Lord Thurlow by his friends), Mose-* II. Grinnell, James 
Watson Webb, Gov. Morgan, Gen. Nye, George VV. Curtis, and others 
of the strong men of the rftate, in connnerce, political jobbing, and in 
literature — first class men in their respective positions, and each with 
his work to do according to his ability. In the face of such " irrepress- 
ibles," the conservative expediency men — Greeley, the Blairs, the Re- 
publican candidates for Governor in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illi- 
nois — are hard pressed, sorely perplexed, and despondent. 



THIRD DAY. 



Proceedings opened by prayer by the Rev. Mr. Green of Chicago. 
Mr. Green said : 

"0, we entreat thee, that at some future but no distant day, the evils 
which now invest; the body politic shall not only have been arrested in 
its progress, but wholly eradicated from the system. And may the pen 
of the historian trace an intimate connection between that glorious con- 
summation and the transaction of this Convention." 

After adjournment on Thursday (the second day), there were few 
men in Chieago who believed it possible to prevent the nomination of 
Seward. His friends bad played their game to artmiration, and had 
been victorious on every preliminary skirmish. When the platform had 
been adopted, inclusive of the Declaration of Independence, they felt 
themselves already exalted upon the pinnacle of victory. They re- 
joiced exceedingly, and full of confidence, cried in triumphant tones, 
" Call the roll of States." But it was otherwise ordered. The chair 
announced that the tally-sheets had not been prepared, and that it 
would subject the clerks to great inconvenience to proceed to a ballot at 
that time. The Seward men expressed themselves greatly di.sgusted, 
and were still unwilling to adjourn. A motion was made to adjourn, 
hewever, and after an uncertain response, very little voting being done 
either way, the chair pronounced the motion for adjournujenr carried. 
The Seward men were displeased but not disheartened. They consid- 
ered their hour of triuiuphing with brains and principle, over pre- 
sumptions of expediency, as merely postponed. They did not fear the 
results of the caucusing that night, though they knew every hour would 
be employed against them. The opponents of Mr. Seward left the 
wio-wam that evening thoroughly disheartened. Greeley was, as has 
been widely reported, absolutely "terrilied." The nomination of Sew- 
ard in defiance of his influence, would have been a cruel blow. He gave 



ll2 

up the ship, as appears from the following despatch to the New York 
Tribune : 

GOV. SEWARD WILL BE NOMINATED. 

CnrcAGO, Tliurs-day, May 17 — 11:40 P. M. — My conclusion, from all that I can 
gatbcr to-nij:lit, is, tiiat the opposition to Gov. Seward cannot concentrate on 
any candidate, and that ho will be nominated. h. g. 

I telegraphed, ahout the same time, the same thing to the Cincinnati 
Commercial ; and ever}' one of the forty thousand men in attendance upon 
the Chicago Convention will testify that at midnight of Thursday-Fri- 
day night, the universal impression was that Seward's success was cer- 
tain. 

The New Yorkers were exultant. Their bands were playing, and the 
champagne flowing at their head-quarters as after a victory. 

But there was much done after midnight and before the Convention 
assembled on Friday morning. There were hundreds of Pennsylvanians, 
Indianians and Illinoisans, who never closed their eyes that night. I 
saw Henry S. Lane at one o'clock, pale and haggard, with cane under 
his arm, walking as if for a wager, from one caucus-room to another, 
at the Trcmont House. He had been toiling with desperation to bring 
the Indiana delegation to go as a unit for Lincoln. And then in con- 
nection with others, he had been operating to bring the Vermonters 
and Virginians to the point of deserting Seward. Vermont would cer- 
tainly cast her electoral vote for any candidate who could be nominat- 
ed, and Virginia as certainly against any candidate. The object was 
to bring the delegates of those States to consider success rather than 
Seward, and join with the battle-ground States — as Pennsylvania, New 
Jersey, Indiana, and Illinois insisted upon calling themselves. This 
was finally done, the fatal break in Seward's strength having been made 
in Vermont and Virginia, destroying at once, when it appeared, his 
power in the New England and the slave State delegations. But the work 
was not yet done. The Pennsylvanians had been fed upon meat, such 
that they presented themselves at Chicago with the presumption that 
they had only to say what they wished, and receive the indorsement of 
the Convention. And they were for Cameron.* He was the only man, 
they a thousand times said, who would certainly carry Pennsylvania. 
They were astonished, alarmed, and maddened to find public opinion 
settling down upon Seward and Lincoln, and that one or the other must 
be nominated. They saw that Lincoln was understood to be the only 
man to defeat Seward, and thinking themselves capable of holding that 
balance of power, so much depended upon, and so deceptive on those 
occasions, stood out against the Lincoln combination. Upon some of 
the delegation, Seward operations had been performed with perceptible 
effect. The Seward men had stated that the talk of not carrying Penn- 
sylvania was all nonsense. Seward had a good Tariff record, and his 
friends would spend money enough in the State to carry it against any 
Democratic candidate who was a possibility. The flood of Seward 

• Tt hati since aiippared from a spepoh clcHvered by Mr. Cameron at Harrisbur^, that Pew- 
ar.l wnK liis (ir-t rhoice, and in his oi>iuion could carry Pennsylvania. Notliiiig of the kind 
was heard of at Chicago. 



143 

money proniisod for Penn?ylvania was not without efficacy. Tlie plirase 
used Was, that Seward's friends " would spend oceans of vronnj.'''' 

The Wade movement died before this time. It had a lirilhant and 
formidable apitearance for a while; but the fact that it originated at 
Washino-ton was against it, and the bitterness of those delegates from 
Ohio, who would not in any event go for any man from that State other 
than Chase, and who declared war to the knife against Wade, and as a 
second choice were for Lincoln or Seward, stifled the Wade project. 

It does not appear by the record that "old Ben. "Wade " ever stood 
a chance for the place now occupied by "old Abe Lincoln." If his 
friends in Ohio could have brought the friends of Mr. Chase to agree, 
that the delegation should vote as a unit every time as the majority 
should direct. Wade might have been the nominee, and instead of hear- 
ino- so much of some of the exploits of Mr. Lincoln in rail-.'^plitting, 
when a farmer's boy, we should have information concerning the labors 
of Ben. Wade on the Erie Canal, where he handled a spado. While 
touching the Wade movement as developed in the delegation from Ohio, 
it is proper to give as an explanatory note the fact, that at least six 
o-entlemen from Ohio, who were engaged in it, were understood to have 
aspirations for the Senate, and to be regarding Mr. Wade's chair in the 
Senate-chamber with covetous glances. These gentlemen wore D. K. 
Cartter, Joshua R. Giddings, C. P. Wolcott, William Dennison, jr., 
Tom Corwin, and Columbus Delano. 

The cry of a want of availability which was from the start raised 
against Seward, now took a more definite form than heretofore. It was 
reported, and with a well-understood purpose, that the Republican can- 
didates for Governor in Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania would re- 
sign, if Seward were nominated. Whether they really meant it or not, 
the rumor was well circulated, and the effect produced was as if they had 
been earnest. Henry S. Lane, candidate in Indiana, did say something ^ 
of the kind. He asserted hundreds of times that the nomination of 
Seward would be death to him, and that he might in that case just as 
well give up the canvass. He did not feel like expending his time and 
money in currying on a hopeless campaign, and would be disposed to 
abandon the contest. 

The Chicago Press and Tribune of Friday morning contained a last 
appeal to the Convention not to nominate Seward. It was evidently 
written in a despairing state of mind, and it simply begged that Seward 
should not be nominated. The Cameron men, discovering there was 
absolutely no hope for their man, but that either Seward or Lincoln would 
be nominated, and that speedily, and being a calculating company, were 
persuaded to throw their strength for Lincoln at such a time as to have 
credit of his nomination if it were made. There was much difficulty, 
however, in arriving at this conclusion, and the wheels of the machine 
did not at any time in Pennsylvania run smooth. On nearly every 
ballot, Pennsylvania was not in readiness when her name was called, 
and her retirements for consultation became a jwke. 

The Seward men generally abounded in confidence Friday morning. (^ S 
The air was full of rumors of the caucusing the night befoie, but the 
opposition of the doubtful States to Seward was an old story ; and after 



1*44 

the distress of Pennsylvania, Indiana <fc Co., on the sul'joct of Seward's 
availibility, had been so freely and ineffetually expressed from the 
start, it was not iniajjined their protests would suddenly become effective. 
The Sewardites marched as usual from their head-quarters at the Rich- 
mond House after their magnificent band, which was brilliantly uni- 
formed — epaulets shining on their shoulders, and white and scarlet 
feathers waving from their caps — marched under the orders of recog- 
nized leaders, in a stylo that would have done credit to many volunteer 
militaiy companies. They were about a thousand strong, and protract- 
ing their niarch a little too far, were not all able to get into the wigwam. 
This was their first misfortune. Tfiey were not where they could scream 
with the best efFjct in responding to the mention of the name of Wil- 
liam H. Seward. 

Wljen the Convention was called to order, breathless attention was 
given the proceedings. There was not a space a foot square in the 
wigwam unoccu[)ied. There were tens of thousands still outside, and 
torrents of men had rushed in at the three broad doors until not another 
one could squeeze in. 

The first tbinij of interest was a fio;ht regardino; the Maryland deleo'a- 
tion. A rule had been adopted that no delegation should cast more 
votes than there were duly accredited delegates. The Maryland dele- 
gation had not been full, and Mr. Montgomei'y Bhir of that Siate now 
wanted to fill up the delegation. Three of the delegates, who were 
Seward n)ei), opposed filling up the ranks with men, as one of them said, 
"God Almighty only knows where they come from." Here was 
another Seward triumph, for the Blairs were not allowed to add to the 
strength of their Maryland delegation. It might be said of the Blaii-s 
and the Maryland delegation as Thaddeus Stevens said of the Union 
and Constitutional Convention at Baltimore, "It was a family party — 
it 10 as all there.^'' 

Every body was now impatient to begin the work. Mr. Evarts of 
New York nominated Mr. Seward. Mr. Judd of Illinois noiriinated 
Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Dudley of New Jer.<ey nominated IMr. Dayton. 
Mr. Reeder of Pennsylvania nominated Simon Cameron. Mr. Cartter 
of Ohio nominated Salmon P. Chase. Mr. Caleb Smith of Indiana 
seconded the nomination of Lincoln. Mr. Blair of Mis.souri nominated 
Edward Bites. Mr. Blair of Michigan seconded the nomination of 
^Villiam H. Seward. Mr. Corwin of Ohio nominated John McLean. 
IMr. Schurz of Wisconsin seconded the nomination of Seward. Mr. 
Delano of Ohio secoiuled the nomination of Lincoln. The only names 
that produced " tremendous applause," were those of Se\'\ard and 
Lincoln. 

Every body felt that the fight was between them, and yelled accord- 
ingly- 

The applause, when IMr. Evarts named Seward, was enthusiastic. 
When i\Ir. Judd nan)ed Lincoln, the response was prodigious, rising and 
raging far beyond the Seward shriek. Presently, upon Caleb B. Smith 
seconding the nomination of Lincoln, the response was absolutely ter- 
rific. It iKiw became the Seward men to make another effort, and when 
Blair of Michigan seconded his nomination, 



14^ 



• At once thoro rose so wild a yell, 
Within that dark and narrow dell ; 
As all the fiends from heaven that fell 
Had pealed the banner cry of hell." 



The effect was startling. Hundreds of persons stopped their ears in 
pain. The shouting was absolutely frantic, shrill and wild. No Ca- 
manches, no panthers ever struck a higher note, or gave screams with 
more infernal intensity. Looking from the stjige over the vast amphi- 
theatre, nothing was to be seen below but thousands of hats — a black, 
mighty swarm of hats — flying with the velocity of hornets over a mass 
of human heads, most of the mouths of which were open. Above, all 
around the galleries, hats and handkerchiefs were flying in the tempest 
together. The wonder of the tiling was, that the Seward outside 
pressure should, so far from Now York, be so powerful. — ^ 

i^Now the Lincoln men had to try it again, and as Mr. Delano of f 
Ohio, on behalf "of a portion of the delegation of that State," sec- 
onded the nomination of Lincoln, the uproar was beyond description. 
Imagine all the hogs ever slaughtered in Cincinnati giving their death 
squeals together, a score of big steam whistles going (steam at IGO lbs. 
per inch), and you conceive something of the same nature. I thought 
the Seward yell could not be surpasserl ; but the Lincoln boys were 
clearly ahead, and feeling their victory, as there was a lull in the 
storm, took deep breaths all round, and gave a concentrated shriek that 
was positively awful, and accompanied it with stamping that made 
every plank and pillar in the building quiver. 

Henry S. Lane of Indiana leaped upon a table, and swinging hat 
and cane, performed like an acrobat. The presumption is, he shrieked 
with the rest, as his mouth was desperately wide open ; but no one will 
ever be able to testify that he has positive knowledge of the fact that 
he made a particle of noise. His individual voice was lost in the ag- 
grej^ate hurricane. 

The New York, Michigan and Wisconsin delegations sat together, 
and were in this tempest very quiet. Many of their faces whitened as 
the Lincoln yawp swelled into a wild hozanna of victory. 

The Convention now proceeded to business. The New England 
States were called first, and it was manifest that Seward had not the 
strength that had been claimed for him there. Maine gave nearly half 
her vote for Lincoln. New Hampshire gave seven out of her ten votes 
for Lincoln. Vermont gave her vote to her Senator Collamer, which 
was understood to be merely complimentary. It appeared, however, 
that her delegation was hostile or indifferent to Seward, otherwise there 
would have been no complimentary vote to another. Massachusetts 
was divided. Rhode Island and Connecticut did not give Seward a 
vote. So much for the caucusing the night before. Mr. Evarts of 
New York rose and gave the vote of tliat State, calmly, but with a 
swelling tone of pride in his voice — " The State of New York casts her 
seventy votes for William H. Seicardf" The seventy votes was a 
plumper, and there was slight applause, and that rustle and vibration in 
the audience indicating a sensation. The most significant vote was that 
of Viro-inia, which had been expected solid for Seward, and which now 
gave him but eight and gave Lincoln fourteen. The New Yorkers 
10 



146 



looked siirnilifantly at each other as this was announced. Then Indiana 
o-ave her twenty-six votes for Lincohi. This solid vote was a startler, 
and the keen li'ttle eyes of Henry S. Lane glittered as it was given. 
He was responsible for it. It was his opinion that the man of all the 
land to carry the State of Indiana, was Judge John ^McLean. He also 
thouo-ht Bates had eminent qualifications. But when he found that the 
content was between Seward and Lincoln, he worked for the latter as if 
life itself depended upon success. The division of the first vote caused 
a fall in Seward stock. It was seen that Lincoln, Cameron and Bates 
had the strength to defeat Seward, and it was known that the greater 
part of the Chase vote would go for Lincoln. 



FIEST BALLOT. 



Stoics. 


S 
10 

1 
•zi 

70 

'ih 

"s 

5 

n 

"i 

10 

2 
8 
8 

C 
2 
2 


a 

"o 
o 
a 

6 

7 

4 

2 

i 

8 
2t) 

22 

2 

i 


a! 


3 

a 

O 

"i 


di 

"i 

7 
'8 

is 

2 

"i 

5 


a 
"5 

"i 
4 

"i 


'6 

CD 

OS 

i 





1 

2 

"b 

?A 

"i 
'2 




p 

14 


a 
,S 
a 



a 

i 


£ 

— 
"o 




Maine 




New Hampshire. . . 

Vermont 

Ma.'^sachusetts 

Rhode Island 

Connecticut 

New York 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania 

Maryland 

Delaware 

Virginia 

Kentucky 

Ohio 




Indiana 

Missouri 

Michigan 




Illinois 

Texas 




Wisconsin 

Iowa 




California 

Minnesota 

Oregon 

Territories. 

Kansas 

Nebraska 

Dist. of Columbia . 


( 



The Secretary announced the vote : 

William II. S( ward, of New York 173* 

Abraham I.,incoln, of Illinois 102 

Edward Bates, of Missouri 48 

Simon Oamiron, of Pennsylvania •''OJ 

John McLean, of Ohio 1^ 

Salmon P. Chasi;, of Ohio 49 

Benjamin V. Wade, of Ohio «5 

William L. Dayton, of New Jersey 14 



Ul 



John M. Reed, of ronnsylrania 1 

Jacob CoUamcT, of Vermont 10 

Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts 1 

John C. Fremont, of California 1 

Whole number of votes cast, 465 ; necessary to a choice, 233. 

The Convention proceeded to a second ballot. Every man v?a,s 
fiercely enlisted in the struggle. The partisans of the various candi- 
dates were strung up to such a pitch of excitement as to render them 
incapable of patience, and the cries of "Call the roll" were fairly 
hissed through their teeth. The first gain for Lincoln was in New 
Hampshire. The Chase and the Fremont vote frem that State were 
given him. His next gain was the whole vote of Vermont. This was 
a blighting blow upon the Seward interest. The New Yorkers started 
as if an Orsini bomb had exploded. And presently the Canien.n vote 
of Pennsylvania was thrown for Lincoln, increasing his strength forty- 
four votes. The fate of the day was now determined. New York saw 
" checkmate " next move, and sullenly proceeded with the gan)e, as- 
suming unconsciousness of her inevitable doom. On this ballot Lin- 
coln gained seventy-nine votes ! Seward had 184^ votes ; Lincoln 18L 

SECOND BALLOT. 



Stales. 


in 

10 

1 


a 
"o 
o 
c 

G 
9 
10 
4 
3 
4 


a3 


2 

a 

O 


n 

OS 

o 
o 


ca 
O 


c 


i 

o 
d 


































Massachusetts 


22 




















3 

2 










4 






2 




70 
4 

3 








Nt-W Jersey 

Penusylvauia 












10 




6 
14 

9 
14 

26 


"s' 




n 


























8 
7 


















6 

29 






Oh in 




























18 














12 
















22 














Texas 


6 
10 

2 
8 
8 














5 




















•I 




































5 












Territoiies. 

Kansas 

Nebras^ka 

District of Columbia 


6 
3 

2 






















2 



















(Great confusion while the ballot was being counted.) 

The Secretary announced the result of the second ballot as follows 



148 



For William H. Seward of New York, 184| votes. [Applause.] 

For Abraliani Lincoln of Illinois, 181 votes. [Tremeudous ap- 
plause, checked by the Speaker.] 

For Edward Bates of Missouri, 35 votes. 

For Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania, 2 votes. 

For John McLean of Ohio, 8 votes. 

For Salmon P. Chase of Ohio, 42d votes. 

For William L. Dayton of New Jersey, 10 votes. 

For Cassius M. Clay of Kentucky, 2 votes. 

Whole number of votes cast, 4U5 ; necessary to a choice, 23.3. 

It now dawned upon the multitude, that the presumption entertained 
the night before, that the Seward men would have every thing their own 
way, was a mistake. Even persons unused to making the calculations 
and considering the combinations attendant upon such scenes, could not 
fail to observe that while the strength of Seward and Lincoln was al- 
most even at the moment, the reserved votes, by which the contest 
must be decided, were inclined to the latter. There, for instance, was 
the Brites vote, thirty-five; the McLean vote, eight ; the Dayton vote, 
ten — all impending for Lincoln — and forty-two Chase votes, the greater 
part going the same way. 



TUIKD BALLOT. 



Staies. 


cs 

4) 


a; 


6 


a 

'o 
o 

a 

6 

9 

10 

8 
5 
4 


n 

03 


a 



(^ 
a 



OS 

d 


Maine . 


10 

1 






New Hampshire 












VtTinout 












Miissacbust'tts 


18 
1 
1 

70 
5 












Rhode Island 


"I' 


1 

2 


1 






Coanecticut 




1 


New York 








New JiT.sey 






8 
52 
9 
6 
14 
13 
29 
26 


"'2" 


1 




PennsylvaQia 








Maryland 


2 










Delaware 












Virginia 


S 
(i 












Kentucky 




4 
15 








Oliio 


► 2 






Indiana 








Missouri 




18 










Michigan 


12 












Illinoi.-^ 






22 








Texas 


C 
10 
2 
8 
8 
1 

6 
3 

2 

180 












Wisconsin 














Iowa 




1 
2 


5i 








California 








Miinu'sota 














(Jre^on 






4 








Territories. 
Kansas 












N-ltraska 




2 


1 








District of Columbia 








Total 


22 


24.J 


231^ 


5 


1 


1 



149 



While this ballot was taken amid oxcitomcnt that tester! the nerves, 
the fatal defection from Seward in New England still further appeared 
— four votes going over from Seward to Lincoln in Mat-saelui.-etts. 
The latter received four additional votes from Pennsylvania and fifteen 
additional votes from Ohio. It was whispered about — "Lincoln's the 
coming man — will be nominated this ballot." When the roll of States 
and Territories had been called, I had ceased to give attention to any 
votes but those for Lincoln, and had his vote added up as it was given. 
The number of votes necessary to a choice were two hundred and thir- 
ty-three, and I saw under my pencil as the Lincoln column was com- 
pleted, the figures 2315 — one vote and a half to give him the nomina- 
tion. In a moment the fact was whispered about. A hundred pencils 
had told the same story. The news went over the house wonderfully, 
and there was a pause. There are always men anxious to distinguish 
themselves on such occasions. There is nothing that politicians like 
better than a crisis. I looked up to see who would be the man to give 
the decisive vote. The man fur the crisis in the Cincinnati Conven- 
tion — all will remember — was Col. Preston of Kentucky. He broke 
the Douglas line and precipitated the nomination of Buchanan, and 
was rewarded with a foreign mission. In about ten ticks of a watch, 
Cartter of Ohio was up. I had imagined Ohio would be slippery 
enough for the crisis. And sure enough ! Every eye was on Cartter, 
and every body who understood the matter at all, knew what he was 
about to do. He is a large man with rather striking features, a shock 
of bristling black hair, large and shining eyes, and is terribly marked 
with the small-pox. He has also an impediment in his speech, which 
amounts to a stutter; and his selection as chairman of the Ohio delega- 
tion was, considering its condition, altogether* appropriate. He had 
been quite noisy during the sessions of the Convention, but had never 
commanded, when mounting his chair, such attention as now. He 
said, "I rise (eh), Mr. Chairman (eh), to announce the change of four 
votes of Ohio from Mr. Chase to Mr. Lincoln." The deed was done. 
There was a moment's silence. The nerves of the thousands, which 
through the hours of suspense had been subjected to terrible tension, 
relaxed, and as deep breaths of relief were taken, there was a noise in 
the wigwam like the rush of a great wind, in the van of a storm — and 
in another breath, the storm was there. There were thousands cheer- 
ing with the energy of insanity. 

A man who had been on the roof, and was engaged in communicating 
the results of the ballotings to the mighty mass of outsiders, now de- 
manded by gestures at the sky-light over the stage, to know what had 
happened. One of the Secretaries, with a tally sheet in his hands, 
shouted — " Fire the Salute ! Abe Lincoln is nominated ! " As the 
cheering in.side the wigwam subsiided, we could hear that outside, where 
the news of the nomination had just been anuounced. And the roar, 
like the breaking up of the fountains of the gieat deep that was heard, 
gave a new impulse to the enthusiasm inside. Then the thunder of the 
salute rose above the din, and the shouting was repeated with such tre- 
mendous fury that some discharges of the cannon were absolutely not 



150 

heard by those on the stage. Puffs of smote, drifting by the open 
door.s and the smell of gunpowder, told what was going on. 

The moment that half a dozen men who were on their chairs makino- 
motions at the President could be heard, they changed the votes of 
their States to Mr. Lincoln. This was a mere formality, and was a 
cheap way for men to distinguish themselves. The proper and orderly 
proceeding would have been to annouce the vote, and then for a motion 
to come from New York to make the nomination unanimous. New 
York was prepared to make this motion, but not out of order. Mis- 
souri, Iowa, Kentucky, IMinnesota. Virginia, California, Texas, District 
of Columbia, Kansas, Nebraska and Oregon, insisted upon casting 
unaiiimous votes for Old Abe Lincoln before the vote was declared. 

While these votes were being given, the applause continued, and a 
photiigraph of Ahe Lincoln which had hung in one of the side rooms 
was brought in, and held up before the surging and screaming masses. 
The places of the various delegations were indicated by staffs, to which 
were ^.ttached the names of the States, printed in large black letters on 
pasteboard. As the Lincoln enthusiasm increased, delegates tore these 
standards of the States from their places and swung them about their 
heads. A rush was made to get the New York standard and swing it 
with the rest, but the New Yorkers would not allow it to be moved, and 
were wrathful at the suggestion. 

When the vote was declared, Mr. Evarts, the New York spokesman, 
mounted the Secretaries' table and handsomely and impre.ssively ex- 
pressed his grief at the failure of the Convention to nominate Seward — 
and in melancholy tones, moved that the nomination be made unani- 
mous. 

Mr. Andrew of Massachusetts seconded the motion in a speech, in 
which his vanity as a citizen of the commonwealth of Massachusetts 
was ventilated, and he said it had not been for old Massachusetts to 
strike down William Henry Seward, concluding by a promise to give 
the nominee of that Convention one hundred thousand majority. 

Carl Schurz, on behalf of Wisconsin, again seconded the motion, but 
not so effectively in his speech as his reputation as an orator would have 
warranted us in expecting. There was a little clap-trap and something 
of anti-climax in shouting "Lincoln and victory," and talking of "de- 
fying the whiile slave power and the whole vassalage of hell." 

M. Blair of INIichigun made the speech of the hour. He said: 

" Michigan, from first to last, has cast her vote for the great States- 
man of New York. She has nothing to take back. She has not sent 
me forward to worship the rising sun, but she has put me forward to 
say that, at your behests here to-day, she lays down her first, best loved 
candidate to take up yours, with some beating of the heart, with some 
quivering in the vc'ins [much applause] ; but she does not fear that the 
fame of Seward will suffjr, for she knows that his fame is a portion of 
the history of the American Union ; it will be written, and read, and 
beloved long after the temporary excitement of this day has passed 
away, and when Presidents them-elves are forgotten in the oblivion 
which comes over all teniporal things. We stand by him still. We 



161 

have followed him with an eye sinj^le and with unwavering faith in tiraea 
past. We miutial now behind him in the grand column which shall 
go out to battle for Lincoln." 

After a rather dull speech from Mr. Browning of Illinois, respond- 
ing in behalf of Lincoln, the nomination was made unanimous, and the 
Convention adjourned for dinner. The town was full of the news of 
Lincoln's nomination, and could hardly contain itself. There were 
bands of music playing, and processions marching, and joyous cries 
beard on every hand, from the army of trumpeters for Lincoln of Illi- 
nois, and the thousands who are always enthusiastic on the winning 
side. But hundreds of men who had been in the wigwam were so pros- 
trated by the excitement they had endured, and their exertions in 
shrieking for Seward or Lincoln, that they were hardly able to walk to 
their hotels. There were men who had not tasted liquor, who sta<:gered 
about like drunkards, unable to manage themselves. The Seward men 
were terribly stricken down. They were mortified beyond all expres- 
sion, and walked thoughtfully and silently away from the slaughter- 
house, more ashamed than embittered. They acquiesced in the nomi- 
nation, but did not pretend to be pleased with it ; and the tone of their 
conversations, as to the prospect of electing the candidate, was not 
hopeful. It was their funeral, and they would not make merry. 

A Lincoln man who could hardly believe that the "Old Abe" of his 
adoration was really the Republican nominee for the Presidency, took a 
chair at the dinner-table at the Tremunt House, and began talking to 
those around him, with none of whom he was acquainted, of the great- 
ness of the events of the day One of his expressions was, "Talk of 
your money and bring on your bullies with you ! — the immortal princi- 
ples of the everlasting people are with Al)e Lincoln, of the people, 
l3y — ." "Abe Lincoln has no money and no bullies, but he has the 
people by — ." A servant approached the eloquent patriot and asked 
what he would have to eat. Being thus recalled to temporal things he 
glared scornfully at the servant and roared out, " Go to the devil — 
what do I want to eat for? Abe Lincoln is nominated, G — d — it; 
and I'm going to live on air — the air of Liberty by — ." But in a 
moment he inquired for the bill of fare, and then ordered "a great deal 
of everything" — saying if he must eat he might as well eat "the 
whole bill." He swore he felt as if he could "devour and digest an 
Illinois prairie." And this was one of thousands. 

During the dinner recess a caucus of the Presidents of delegations 
was held, and New York, though requested to do so, would not name a 
candidate for the Vice-Presidency. After dinner we had the last act in 
the dratna. 

The nomination of Vice-President was not particularly exciting. 
Cassius M. Clay was the only competitor of Hamlin, who made any 
show in the race ; and the outside pressure was for him. At one time 
a thousand voices called "Clay ! Clay !" to the Convention. If the 
multitude could have had their way, Mr. Clay would have been put on 
the ticket by acclamation. But it was stated that Mr. Hamlin was a 
good friend of Mr. Seward. He was geographically distant from Liu- 



152 



coin, and was once a Democrat. It was deemed judicious to pretend 
to patronize tlie Democratic element, and thus consolidate those who 
were calling the Convention an "old Whig concern." They need not 
have been afraid, however, of having it called an old Whig affair, for 
it was not "eminently respectable," nor distinguished for its "dignity 
and decorum." On the other hand, the Satanic element was very 
strongly developed. 

FIRST BALLOT FOR VICE-PRESIDENT. 



States. 


o 
.2 


c 


o 

P5 


d 

S 

H 


.S 

a 

16 

10 

10 

1 

8 

5 

35 

6 

11 

8 

2 




J: 

s 









Maine 










New Hampshire 


















Vermont 


















Massachusetts 




20 


1 


1 










Rhode Ishmd 










ConQocticut 


2 
9 

1 
4.1 

2 
3 

23 

23 



18 


1 
4 


"2 

7 
24 


2 
11 

"Y 

1 

1 










New York 


1 








New Jersey 






Pennsylvania 






8 




Maryland 








Delaware 














Virginia 














Kentucky 








• • • ■ 










Ohio 








46 
8 










Indiana 
















Missouri 


9 




9 










Michigan 


4 

2 


8 
2 










Illinois 




10 


2 










Texas 








6 


Wisconsin 


5 








5 
6 








Iowa 






1 
3 

6 
5 










California 












Minnesota 


1 


"i' 




6 

1 










Oregon 










Territories. 
Kansas 












Nebraska 


I 

2 

10 hi 














. . . . 


District of Coluinl)ia 














. . . 


Total 


38i 


51 


58 


194 


1 


8 


8 


6 



153 



SECOND BALLOT FOR VICE-PBESIDBNT. 



Siai.es, 


a 

w 

k; 

10 
10 
2(i 

,s 
10 
7U 
11 
54 
10 

(i 


i 
o 


S 
o 

c3 






New Hampshire 


















2 


New York , 














1 




Delaware 


23 
23 

ii 

5 
4 
2 
6 
5 








Ohio 


Ad 
12 
13 

8 
20 














5 

8 
7 
7 
3 

2 






1 
1 

1 








2 




3 




6 




2 
367 






Total 


86 


13 



During this ballot the name of N. P. Banks was withdrawn. As 
this was done, Gen. Nye of New York cried out, "That's a good thing 
done — one of. the conspirators gone to h — , thank God !" 

The fact of the Convention, was the defeat of Seward rather than 
the nomination of Lincoln. It was the triumph of a presumption of 
availability over pre-eminence in intellect and unrivaled fame — a suc- 
cess of the ruder qualities of manhood and the more homely attributes 
of popularity, over the arts of a consummate politician, and the splendor 
of accomplished statesmanship. _ 

Now that the business of the Convention was transacted, we had the 
usual stump speeches, and complimentary resolutions, and the valedic- 
tory from the chairman, and the "three times three" upon adjournment 
for the candidate. 

The city was wild with delight. The "Old Abe " men formed pro- 
cessions, and bore rails through the streets. Torrents of liquor were 
poured down the hoarse throats of the multitude. A hundred guns 
were fired from the top of the Tremont House. The Chicago Press and 
Tribune office was illuminated. That paper says: 

"On each side of the counting-room door stood a rail — out of the 



154 

three thousand split by 'honest Old Abe' thirty years ago on the 
Sangamon Eivcr bottoms. On the inside were two more, brilliantly 
hung with tapers." 

I left the city on the night train on the Fort Wayne and Chicago 
road. The train consisted of eleven cars, every seat full and people 
standing in the aisles and corners. I never before saw a company of 
persons so prostrated by continued excitement. The Lincoln men were 
not able to respond to the cheers which went up along the road for 
" old Abe." They had not only done their duty in that respect, but 
exhausted their capacity. At every station where there was a village, 
until after two o'clock, there were tar barrels burning, drums beat- 
ing, boys carrying rails; and guns, great and small, banging away. 
The weary passengers were allowed no rest, but plagued by the thun- 
dering jar of cannon, the clamor of drums, the glare of bonfires, and 
the whooping of the boys, who were delighted with the idea of a can- 
didate for the Presidency, who thirty years ago split rails on the Sanga- 
mon River — classic stream now and for evermore — and whose neighbors ' 
named him "honest." 



CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION AT 
RICHMOND. 



The address issued by distinguished Southern Congressmen, urging 
that the Kiehmond Convention should not transact any business, but 
adjourn to Baltimore and make there a final effort to preserve the har- 
mony and unity of the Democratic party by the defeat of Mr. Douglas, 
had the effect of preventing a large representation of the Southern 
wing of the party at Ilichmond. Instead of attempting to make the 
Richmond Convention an affair of substantive importance, the aim of 
those who had it in charge, was to so manage the preliminaries that it 
should transact no business. The people of Richmond were not much 
interested in it, and no preparations whatever were made for it until 
the Saturday before the Convention assembled, when a hall was engaged. 

FIRST DAY. 

The Convention assembled at Metropolitan Hall at noon on Monday, 
the 11th of June. Lieut. Gov. Lubbock of Texas was called to the 
chair, as temporary chairman. He acknowledged the compliment in 
becoming terms — said they met in the same spirit in which they had 
met in (Jliarlestim. lie said : 

" We have met here to-day, as we did there, to carry out our princi- 



155 

pies, whatever may be the result. [Applause] I trust we have come 
here for no compromises of the Conntitutioii. [Applause.] 

"If we cannot succeed in sustainini» tliose pruiciples, we must create 
— no, we will not 'create' a new Democratic party, but we will 
siiniily declare ourselves the true Democratic party, and we will unfurl 
our banner, and go to the country upon true Democratic principles." 
[Applause.] 

The States were called for delegates, and New York answering by a 
young man in a corner, produced a sensation. The following are the 
documents presented by the State of New York, and they arc curiosities 
in their way : 

New YoiiK, .Tune 8, 1800. 

Tbis is to cm-tify, that at a meetins; of the Trustees of the National Demo- 
cratic Hall of the State of New York, held in the city of New York, they 
recomineaded to the association the following names as delegates and aUevnat(!8 
to represent theiu at the Richmond Convention, for the nomination of candidates 
for ['resident and Vice-President of these United States, with power to add to 
their nnmljer, or till vacancies : 

Ddeg:ites — Col. Baldwin, Isaac Lawrence, Jas. B. Benael, Jam^-s Villiei-s. 

AUermlcs — Neare Drake Parson, James S. Selby, M. Dudley Bean, Alfred W. 
Gilbert. 

New York, Jane 8th, 18(50. 
This is to certify, that Hon. Gideon J. Tucker, and Dr. Charles Edward Lewis 
Stuart, were, at a meeting of the above association, made delegates at large from 
the association. 

Samuel B. Williams, Chairman of Trustees. 
Wm. Beach Lawke.nce, Jr., Chairman of Ex. Com. 
ToADDEUS P. MoTT, Chairman of Assoc.ution. 
Secretary of Trustees, M. Dudley Bean. 
Secretary of Executive Committee, Jas. B. Bexsel. 
. Secretary of Association, J. Lawrexce. 

Mr. Fisher of Virginia responded for that State, producing loud 
applause. He was the only Virginian who seceded, and hence was a 
lion at that moment. 

A despatch was received, saying Florida delegates were coming. 
The following is the list of delegates made out this day by the Secre- 
taries : 

Alabama.— A. B. Meek, W. L. Yancey, D. W. Baine, F. S. Lyon, R. G. Scott, 
J. W. Portis. N. H. R. Dawson, T. J. Burnett, Eli S. Shorter, D. W. Williams, J. 
C. B. Mitchidl, Wm. C. Penick, A. S. Van Degraaf. John Erwin. John E. Moore, 
E. W. Kennedy, Robt. T. Scott, R. Chapman, Winfield Mason, W. P. Browne, D. 
W. Bozeman. 

Mississippi.— Geo. H. Gordon, E. Barksdale, W. F. Barry, H. C. Chambers, 
Jos. R. Davis, Beverly Matthews. 

Louisiana.— A.. Martin, John Tarleton. Richard Taylor, Emile LaSere, F. H. 
Hatch, E. Lawrence, A. Talbot, B. W. Pearce, R. A. Hunter, D. D. Withers, 
Charles Jones, J. A. McHutton. 

South Ckmoxa^k.— Principals : Hon. R. B. Rhett, Hon. A. C. Garlington, Hon. 
J. J. Middleton. A. Bush, J. A. Dargan, Col. W. S. Mullins. Gen. W. E. Martin, 
C. M. Furraan, Gen. D. F. Jamison. Col. A. P. Aldrich, W. D. Simpson, D. B. 
Waldo, Hon. A. P. Calhoun, William Choice, Col. E. Jones, Maj. A. H. Boykin. 
AUernates: Hon. W. D. Porter, Col. John S. Sloan, Col. Allen McFavlan, Hon. 
G. A. Trenholm, Henry Mclvor, J. G. Pressly, Hon. J. E. Carew, S. W. Barker, 



156 

Hon. J. Townsend, Hon. E. Martin, J. D. Nance, D. W. Aiken, W. K. Easolyi 
Geu. S. R. Gist, R. A. Springs, Maj. N. R. Eamt's. 

GKOKGiA.-Hi'nry L. Benning, Nelson Filt, E. J. McGcehce, Jolin A. Jimes, 
Jolin C. Nichols. 

Texas.— G. M. Bryan, F. S. Stoclidale, H. R. Runnels, J. F. Crosby, F. R. 
Lubbock. 

IMr. Mott of New York undertook to explain to the Convention the 
position of the delegation from that State. He said the National Dem- 
ocratic Asi^ociation of New York had held a meeting, and appointed 
them delegates and alternates, and that fifteen out of sixteen ftiembers 
of the State Central Committee were in favor of a representation of the 
Democracy at Kichmond. He cloHcd, according to the custom of the 
country, with something about the Union. His remarks were received 
respectfully, but incredulously. It was singular that a delegation 
should arrive from New York, when such a thing as a movement in 
that State regarding the Richmond Convention had not been heard of. 
Motions were carried to form committees on Organization and Creden- 
tials. Those committees were organized as follows : 

Committee on Pekmanent Organization — Mississippi, W. L. 
Barry ; Louisiana, R. A. Hunter; Alabama, Eobt. G. Scott ; Tennes- 
see, W. T. Helms ; Texas, J. F. Crosby ; Georgia, John A. Jones ; 
Virginia. M. W. Fisher ; South Carolina, A. P. Calhoun ; Arkansas, 
Van H. Manning; New York, Thaddeus P. Mott. 

Committke on Credentials — South Carolina, John J. Middleton ; 
Tennessee, George W. Brodfield ; Alabama, D. W. Bain ; Georgia, 
Dr. Edmund J. McGeehee ; Louisiana, F. H. Hatch ; Texas, T. S. 
Stockdell ; Mississippi, Beverly Matthews ; Arkansas, Van H. Man- 
ning. 



SECON D DAY. 

Mr. Smith of Alabama desired to have his name recorded. Agreed 
to. The Florida delegates had now arrived. Mr. Calhoun of South 
Carolina — .'^on of John C. Calhoun — chairman of the committee on 
Oi'ganization, submitted the following report : 

Your committee respectfully report the name of the Hon. Jobn Erwin of 
Alabama as permanent President of your Convention, and the following named 
persons as Vice-Presidents : 

H. R. Runnels of Texas, W. S. Featherston of Mississippi, M. W. Fisher of 
Virginia, Hon. R. G. Scott of Alabama, N. B. Burrows of Arkansas, B. F. 
Wardlaw of Florida, Gen. A. C, Garlington of South Carolina, D. H. Cum- 
mings of T^'unessee, P. Tracy of Georgia, E. LaSei'c of Louisiana. 

And the ibllowing as Secretaries : 

H. H. Tyson of Mississijipi, Dr. A. C. Smith of Virginia, G. W. Bradfield of 
Tennessee, A, S. Vaiiiltigiall' of Alabama, Chas. Dyke of Florida, Jolm Cobb 
of Georgia, Henry Mclver oi' South Caroliiui, D. D. AVilhers of Louisiana, 
Van H. Manning of Arkansas. 

The committee would further reconunend the rules adopted at Ciuciunati in 
185(), as the rules for the government t)f this Convention. 

Your committee beg leave to report, as a basis of representation, that where 
a State is represented as a whole, the delegation present shall cast the entire 



157 

vote of said State, accordint^ to the Congi-essional basis; and in such cases a? 
there are delejratos from a district of the State present, said delegate or dele- 
gates shall be entitled to cast the vote of said district. 

ANDREW i. CALHOUN. 

Mr. Erwin upon taking the cbair made a brief speech. lie said they 
were there to vindicate the Constitution and assert tlie rights of the 
South under it. He said further : 

"At Charleston we exerted ourselves assiduously, earnestly, for days 
and weeks, hoping that we miglit agree — that we might concur with tlie 
majority of that body — that they would concede to us what seemed, to 
our apprehension, to clearly belong to us. But, governed l)y ohjects of 
self — of personal aggrandizement — they sternly refused. ^Ve had no 
alternative left but to pursue the course that we did pursue, and we are 
happy now to announce that our conduct has been approved by our con- 
stituents. [Great applause.] 

" It is proposed here, as I understand, that we shall not act definitely 
— that we shall make one more attempt at reconciliation. Gentlemen, 
I neither commend nor condemn that course. Every gentleman will be 
governed by his own views of what is right. But we must yield noth- 
ing, whether we remain here, or whether we go elsewhere. Wherever 
we go, we must demand the full measure of our rights. [Applause.] 
The serpent of ' Squatter Sovereignty ' must be strangled. [Vehe- 
ment applause.] What ! are we to be told that we are not to go into 
the Territories and enjoy equal rights, when that principle has been 
settled by the Supreme Court of our country? " 

Mr. Middleton of South Carolina stated the case of the Xew York 
Commissioners. He said : 

" Mr. President, in going into this matter the committee was informed 
that the gentlemen therein named did not claim seats in this body as 
delegates and alternates, but came here simply as commissioners to ad- 
vise with this body as to the course of its proceeding." 

This it was proclaimed was done in " entire courtesy," but it was a 
quiet way of getting rid of the New Yorkers who were now, by resolu- 
tion, invited to take seats upon the floor of tha Convention. 

Mr. Hatch — Mr. President, after consulting with the large number 
of delegates from the different States, I beg leave to offer the following 
resolutions, which, I believe, will accomplish the general purposes and 
wishes of this Convention : 

1. Resolved, That as the delegations from all the States represented in this 
Convention are assembled upon the basis of the platform recommended \)j a 
majority of the States at Charleston, we deem it unnecessary to take any further 
action upon that subject at the present time. 

2. ReHolved, That when this Convention adjourn, it adjourn to meet in this 
city on Monday, the 25th inst. ; provided that the President of this Convention 
may call it together at an earlier or later day, if it be deemed necessary. 

An attempt was made to have it declared that that Convention in- 
dorsed the majority report of a platform made at Charleston, but this 
was overruled, on the ground that it had, upon consultation by an in- 
formal committee, been determined to take no action whatever. A mo- 
tion to raise a select committee to consider what should be done, was 



158 

met by the nssnranee that an infornuil committee had gathered the sense 
of the Cdnvention, and that it was agreed nothing was to be done. 
Mr. Hunter of Louisiana said in this connection, upon the proposition 
to indorse the niiijority platform n ported at Charleston : 

" I was desirous that not one word should be said upon this subject, 
when the resolutions were reported, but that we should accept them in 
the spirit of harmony which has characterized our deliberations so far. 
I hope tlie amendment will not be pressed. There is no difficulty ex- 
cept upon one point, and I hope that amendment will not be pressed, 
for we desire earnestly that no discussion should take place in regard to 
the matter. We are satisfied with the resolutions, and will accept them ; 
we do not desire to go fuither." 

Some conversational debate occurred on the proposition to give the 
President of the Convention discretionary power in calling it together 
upon adjournment. Mr. Jones of Georgia, in the course of a speech, 
said : 

We want other States to come in with us and have their voices 
heard in this important matter ; we ought not to preclude them by any 
declarations in advance. That is all. What is fair, is fair. We ask 
Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee and Kentucky to come 
in here. 

A Voice — Missouri and Delaware. 

Mr. Jones — Yes, Missouri and Delaware unite with us in counsel. 

The first resolution was agreed to, and 31r. MuUins of South Caro- 
lina moved that the second resolution be amended by striking out 
•' 25th " and inserting •' 21st." South Carolina called for the vote by 
States — that that State might appear upon the record as opposed to ad- 
journment. He withdrew his call, however, and the resolution was 
adofited by actdamation. 

The committee on Credentials was now called upon for a report, and 
reported that the following States and districts are represented in this 
Convention, to wit : 

Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, South 
Carolina, Florida, Second Congressional District of Tennessee, Seventh 
Electoral District of Virginia. 

The Convention was proceeding to adjourn, when Mr. Baldwin of 
New York, an elderly gentleman with immense green-goggles, beo-oed 
to be allowed to state the true position of New York in that Convention. 
He caused a very florid and inconsequential letter to be read. It con- 
cluded as follows : 

" Here as Commissioners of Conference on a mission for party peace, 
and in national love, we are also here to give the assurance that should 
the crisis arise to test us, you may reckon on noble evidence, in the 
Empire State, of a loyalty which cannot be shaken in its alli giance to 
the Golden Rule of Democracy, and can never be corrupted in the 
good faith which should ever bind the true of the North to the true of 
the South." 

He proceeded to talk of the great danger in which the country found 
itself, and was doing tolerably well in the way of a union speech, when 
he was called to order for talking on matters that the delegates had de- 



159 

clined to talk about. He said he was (hero at tlie merc-y of tlio Con- 
vention, and was told to go on. He was again talking of. tin; lionors 
of diisuninn, when Mr. Barry of Mississippi called him to order hy say- 
ing he had abused the courtesy of the Convention; and wliile the com- 
missioner was begging forgiveness in the niObt abject manner, the 
Convention adjourned. 



NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION AT BALTIMORE. 



The Democratic politicians assembled in great force in Washington 
City the week before the Convention was called to meet in Baltimore, 
and caucused the matter in the usual way. 

On the Saturday before the meeting of the Convention, the politicians 
concentrated in Baltimore, where a much greater crowd than that at 
Charleston came together. It was not, however, numerically so great, 
by many thousands, as that at Chicago. The weight of the outside 
pressure was for Mr. Douglas. The talk about the hotels was princi- 
pally favorable to Mr. Douglas, whose friends were full of confidence 
and determination. It was evident that he could not be nominated 
without the division of the party, and placing two tick^'ts in the field ; 
yet his friends gave no symptoms of flinching from taking any respon- 
sibility. The hostile feeling between the factions of the Democracy 
was even more embittered than at the time of the adjournment at 
Charleston, and the more the points of difference were caucused, the 
more intense was the warfare. The debate in the Senate during the 
recess — the speeches of Douglas and Pugh on the one hand, and Ben- 
jamin and Davis on the other — had served to deepen and exasperate 
the controversy, and make it more personal in its nature, and therefore 
more incapable of compromise. The friends of Mr. Douglas, encour- 
aged by the presence and support of Soule of Louisiana, Forsyth of 
Texas, and other strong Southern men, assumed an arrogance ot tone 
that precluded the hope of amicable adjustment of diflici.l :es. As at 
Charleston, every person and passion and prejudice was for or against 
Mr. Douglas. The opinion was almost universal that the friends of 

fMr. Douglas would be able to nominate him, and they were certainly 
resolved to give him the nomination at any hazard or sacrifice. There 
was no question, however, that the New York delegation had the fate of 
I the Convention in its keeping; and while it was unders;o)d that the 
\ strength of Mr. Douglas in the delegation bad been moreased, during 
the recess, by the Fowler defalcation (the substitute for Mr. Fowler 
being reported to be a Douglas man), and by the appearance of regular 
delegates who were for Douglas, and whose alternates had been against 



k 



160 

him at Charleston, it was obvious that the action of the politicians of 
New York could not be counted upon in any direction with confidence. 
liumors were circulated before the meeting of the Convention, that a 
negotiation had been carried on in Washington, by the New Yorkers 
with the South, the object of which was to sell out Douglas, the South- 
erners and the Administration offering them their whole strength for 
any man New York might name, provided that State would slaughter 
Douglas. On the other hand, it appeared that Dean Richmond, the 
principal manager of the Now Yorkers, had been engaged in private 
cousultatioiis with Mr. Douglas and his fast friends, and had pledged 
himself, as solemnly as a politician could do, to stand by the cause of 
Douglas to the last. 

FIRST DAY. 

MORNING SESSION. 

The Convention assembled at ten o'clock, in the Front Street Theatre, 
the parquet and stage having been fitted up for the delegations, the 
dress circle reserved for the ladies, and the upper circles assigned to 
spectators, who were admitted by tickets, of which each delegation had 
a supply in proportion to its numbers. There was some delay about 
calling the Convention to order, owing to a misunderstanding as to the 
hour of meeting. 

The delegates entitled to seats all presenting themselves at a quarter 
past eleven o'clock, the Convention was called to order by the President, 
and opened with prayer by the Rev. John McCron, whose prayer was 
very touching and beautiful. 

THE president's ADDRESS. 

At the conclusion of the prayer, the President stated the condition 
of business before the Convention in a clear, sharply-defined address, 
speaking so distinctly that every man in the Convention heard every 
word. He said : 

GrENTLEMKN OF THE CONVENTION : — Permit me, in the first place, to 
congratulate you upon your being reassembled here for the discharge of 
your important duties in the interests of the Democratic party of the 
United States ; and I beg leave, in the second place, to communicate to 
the Convention the state of the various branches of its business, as they 
now come up for consideration before you. 

Prior to the adjournment of the Convention, two principal subjects 
of action were before it. One, the adoption of the doctrinal resolu- ' 
tions constituting the platform of the Convention ; the other, voting 
upon the que^^tion of the nomination of a candidate for the Presidency. 

In the course of the discussion of the question of a jdatform, the 
Convention adopted a vote, the effect of which was to amend the report 
of the majority of the committee on the Platform, by substituting the 
report of the minority of that committee ; and after the adoption of 
that motion, and the substitution of the minority for the majority re- 
port, a division was called for upon the several resolutions constituting 



161 

that platform, being five in number. The 1st, 3i], 4th and ilth of tlioso 
resoUitions were adupterl by the Conventicm, and the 2'l was rejected. 
After the vote on the adoption of the 1st, 3d, 4th and 5th of tho>e res- 
olutions, a motion was made in each case to reconsider th(! vote, anil to 
lay that motion of reconsideration upon the table. I5nt neither of those 
motions to reconsider or to lay on th(! table was put, the putting of these 
motions having been prevented by the intervention of questions of priv- 
ilege, and the ultimate vote competent in such case, to wit, of the 
adoption of the report of the majority as amended by the report of the 
minority, had not been acted upon by the Convention. So that at the 
time when the Convention adjourned, there remained pendino- before it 
these motions, to wit : To reconsider — the resolutions constitutini' the 
platform, and the ulterior question of adopting the majority as ameruled 
by the substitution of the minority report. Those questions, and those 
only, as the chair understood the motions before the Convention, were 
not acted upon prior to the adjournment. 

After the disposition of the intervening questions of privilege, a mo- 
tion was made by Mr. McCook of Ohio to proceed to vote fof candi- 
dates for President and Vice President. Upon that motion the Con- 
vention instructed the ch lir (not, as has been erroneously supposed, in 
the recess of the Convention, the chair defermining for tlie Convention, 
but the Convention instructing the chair) to make no declaration of a 
nomination except upon a vote equivalent to two-thirds in tlie Electoral 
College of the United States, and upon that ballo'ing, no such vote 
being given, that order was, upon the motion of the g'nitlrman from Vir- 
ginia (Mr. Russell), laid on the table for the purpose of enabbnof him 
to propose a motion, which he subsequently did, that the Conventioa 
adjourn from the city of Charleston to the city of Baltimore, and with 
a provision concerning the filling of vacancies embraced in the same 
resolution, which resolutiori the Secretary will please to read. 

The Secretary read the resolution, as follows : 

Resolved, That when this Convention adjourns to-day, it adjourn to reassemble 
at Baltimore, Md., on Monday, th(! 18th day of .Tune, and that it be respecttully 
recorameiidcd to the Democratic p:irty of the several StaU'S t » makj pt-o\ision 
for Rupplyitig all vacancies in their respective delcgatioas to this Goaveution 
when it shall reassemble. 

The President — The Convention will thus perceive that the order 
adopted by it provided, among other things, that it is respectfully re- 
commended to the Democratic party of the several States to make pro- 
vision for supplying all vacancies in their respective delt'gations to this 
Convention, when it shall reassemble. What is the construction of that 
resolution ? — what is the scope of its application ? — is a question not for 
the chair to determine or to suggest to the Convention, but for the Con- 
vention itself to determine. 

However that may be, in the prepiratory arrangement for the pre>ent 
assembling of this Convention, there were addressed to the chair the 
credentials of members elected, or purporting to be elected, affiirned 
and confirmed by the original Conventions, and accredited to this Con- 
vention. In three of those cases, or perhaps four, the credentials were 
authentic and complete, presenting no question of controverting dele- 
11 



162 

gates. In four others, to wit, tbe States of Georgia, Alabama, Lou- 
isiana and Delaware, there were contesting applications. Upon those 
applications the chair was called to determine whether it possessed any 
power to doterniine prima facie membership of this Convention. ^ That 
question was presented in its most absolute and complete form in the 
case of Mississippi, where there was no contest either through irregu- 
larity of form or of competing delegations, and so also in the cases of 
Florida, Texas and Arkansas. In those four States, there being an 
apparent authenticity of commission, the chair was called upon to deter- 
mine the naked abstract question whether he had power, peremptorily and 
preliminary, to determine t!io prima facie membership of alleged mem- 
bers of this Convention. The chair would gladly have satisfied himself 
that he had this power, but upon examining the source of his power, to 
wit, the rales of the House of Representatives, he was unable to dis- 
cern that he had any authority, even prima facie, to scrutinize and 
canvass credentials, although they were such as, upon their face, were 
free from contest or controversy either of form or of substance, and 
therefore he deemed it his duty to reserve the determination of that 
question to be submitted to the Convention. And in due time the 
chair will present that question as one of privilege to this body. 

And now, gentlemen, having thus presented to you the exact state of 
the questions pending or involved in the action of the Convention when 
it adjourned, the chair begs leave only to add a single observation of a 
more general nature. We assemble here now at a time when the ene- 
mies of the Democratic party — when, let me say, the enemies of the 
Constitution of the United States, are in the field [applause] with their 
selected leaders, with their banners displayed, advancing to the combat 
with the constitutional interests and party of the United States ; and 
upon you, gentlemen, upon your action, upon your spirit of harmony, 
upon your devotion to the Constitution, upon your solicitude to main- 
tain the interests, the honor and the integrity of the Democratic party 
as the guardians of the Constitution — upon you, gentlemen, it depends 
whether the issue of that combat is to be victory or defeat for the Con- 
stitution of the United States. [Renewed applause.] 

It does not become the chair to discuss any of the personal or politi- 
cal demands of that question. It may be permitted, however, to ex- 
hort you in the spirit of our community, of party interests, in the faith 
of our common respect for the Constitutim, in the sense of our common 
devotion to the interests and honor of our country ; I say to exhort you 
to feel that we come here this day not to determine any mere technical 
(Questions of form, not merely to gain personal or party triumphs, but 
we come here in the exercise of a solemn duty, in a crisis of the condi- 
tion of the affairs of our country such as has never yet befallen the 
United States. Shall we not all enter upon this duty in the solemn 
and profound conviction of the responsibilities thus devolved upon us, 
of our high duty to our country, to ourselves, and to the States of this 
Union V [Applause.] Gentlemen, the Convention is now in order for 
the transaction of business. 

This is an admirable statement of the condition of the business be- 
fore the question. ' 



163 

Mr. Howard of Tennessee introducecl the following resolution: 

Resolved, That the President of this Convention direct the Sergeant-at-ArniP 
to issue tickets of admission to the delegates ol" the Convention as ori;,'inally 
constituted and organized at Charleston. 

Mr. Cavanagh moved to lay the resolution on the table, and called 
the vote hy States. 

Mr. Russell of Virginia wished to inquire of the chair what he had 
done in the way of determining the rights of delegations to scats. 

The President — The chair will then state, m response to the inquiry 
of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Russell), that the chair did not 
undertake to judge any thing, neither to decide that there were or were 
not vacancies. AH the chair undertook to say, was, that the gentlemen 
borne upon its roll as members of this Convention at the time of its ad- 
journment at Charleston, were entitled to recognition of membership 
precisely to-day as they would had the Convention adjourned yesterday. 
[Applause.] To have gone beyond this point would have been to enter 
into the canvass of conflicting credentials upon new elections of mem- 
bers. The chair was thoroughly convinced that he had no power to 
enter into that inquiry of conflicting credentials of persons alleging to 
have been elected to this Convention by State Conventions bekl since 
the adjournment of this Convention at Charleston. The chair will sug- 
gest to the gentleman from Virginia that the question did not present 
itself in the form of simplicity and unity in which bis inquiiy would 
suppose, inahmueh as several States to which he refers, did assume that 
the resolution in the adjournment created vacancies to be filled V)y new 
action of the respective States; and if the chair had entered into any 
inquiry of the new credentials, as, for instance, to discriminate upon the 
question whether the.se credentials came from a new State Convention 
called anew, and that Convention vacating anterior commissions ; or 
whether they emanate from a Convention called anew and simply con- 
firming anterior commissions ; — in either case, if the chair had gone into 
the question, it would have been necessary for him to hold hearings and 
investigations of credentials and of facts in regard to eight States of the 
Union, as to which he had no more power under the rules of the House 
of Representatives than any other member of the Convention. 

Whilst the chair is disposed to exert the whole power, in any contin- 
gency, of the Speaker of the House of Representatives — having en- 
tered upon the discharge of this most unwelcome and responsible duty 
with a determination to act without favor and also without fear — yet the 
chair knows that it is impossihle that he shall maintain order in this 
Convention, that the deliberations of this Convention shall go on in any 
system of regularity, unless the chair takes care to walk carefully and 
rigorously in the simple line of routine and of technical authority. 
[Applause.] Within the line of technical authority, and upon the rules 
of the House of Representatives, as constituting the guide of the chair, 
the chair will take leave to decide all questions as they may arise, in or 
out of the Convention. But the chair does not propojie to assume any 
judicial or quasi-judicial authority in regard to tlie canvass of creden- 
tials and the authenticity of membership ; an authority manifestly not 
conferred upon the presiding officer, according to precedent and the uni- 



164 

foira usnge of the two houses of the Congress of the United States, 
never pieiiuiiaarily determined by the presiding officer of either house 
of Congress. In issuing tickets to the gentlemen borne on the roll of 
the Convention, ah-eady sufficiently authenticated by the proceedings of 
the Convention itself, at tlie time of adjournment, the chair did that at 
least which was in the sphere of the duties of the chair ; and in doing 
that he in no degree involved or prejudiced the question of what was 
the right of any gentleman — that depending upon the action of this 
Convention. The chair, as he before* iniimated, will now make this, 
the first question, a question of privilege, that the Convention may in- 
struct the chair regarding his duty concerning the delegations of ihe 
other States. 

Mr. Church of New York offered the following resolution, as an 
amendment to that of Mr. Howard — Mr. Cavanagh, who had moved to 
table Howard's resolution, yielding for that purpose : 

Resolved, That the credentials of all persons claiming .seats in this Convention 
made vacant by the secession of delegates at Charleston, be referred to the com- 
mittee on Credentials, and said committee is hereby instructed, a,s soon as prac- 
ticable, to examine the siune and report the names of persons entitled to such 
seats, with the district — understanding, however, that every person accepting a 
Seat in tliis Convention is bound in honor and good faith to abide by the action 
of this Convention, and support its nominations. 

The re.solution was received with shouts of tumultuous applause, 
originating with members of the Convention, and taken up and repeated 
by the spectators in the galleries. 

It was erroneously understood at this time, that the resolution of Mr. 
Church, was the proposition of a majority of the New York delegation, 
and the sensation was very great. The applause in the galleries caused 
the chair to become indignant, and he fiercely stated his purpose of 
preserving order and prevent the galleries from participating by indica- 
tions of approbation or disapprobation in the proceedings. 

An uninqjortant debate on points of order followed. Mr. Church 
called tlie previous question on his resolution. Durnig the conversa- 
tional di,scussion : 

Mr.' Russell of Virginia — I ask that this Convention will allow me to 
make a friendly, candid and sincere appeal to the gentleman who made 
the call fur the previous question (Mr. Church of New York) to with- 
draw ids call. 

The Presirlent — Tlie chair has no authority over that question. 

Mr. llussell — I ask the chair to appeal to the gentleman to allow fair 
play in this Convention. 

Mr. Stuart of Michigan — I insist that the chair preserve order. 

The President — The gentleman from Virginia (.Mr. llussell) is not 
in order. 

Mr. Russell — If we are to be constrained to silence, I beg gentle- 
men to consider the silence of Virginia as somewhat ominous. [Ap- 
plause and hisses.] 

The question was stated to be upon seconding the demand for the 
previous question. Being taken vica voce, 

The President stated that the noes appeared to have it. 



165 

Mr. Kichnrdson of Illinois douhtcd the annonnooiiifiit, mid nskcd 
that the vote be taken by States, which was oiilered. 

Mr. Brodhead of Pennsylvania stated tliat the {^cntleniaii from Now 
York (Mr. Church) was willing to withdraw his call fur the previous 
question. 

j\Ir. JMontrronicry of Pennsylvania — The vote having been ordered 
to he taken by States, it is not now in order to withdraw the call for 
the previous question. 

A motion was made to adjourn until four o'clock. A call for the 
vote by States was made. While this was being taken, a controversy 
occurred in the Minnesota delegation, a part of which has become hos- 
tile to Douglas, a fact which irritates his friends beyond measure. Af- 
ter consuming nearly an hour's time of the Convention, the delegation 
temporarily settled the difference. 

The vote on adjournment was: 

Yeas — Maine li, New Hampshire i, Connecticut 1, New Jersey 5, 
Pennsylvania G, Delaware 3, Maryland 6, Virginia 15, North Caroli- 
na 10, Mis.souri (d5, Tennessee 8i, Kentucky 3, Minnesota 1|, Cali- 
fornia 4, Oregon 3 — 73-|-. 

Nays — Maine Gj, New Hampshire 4^, Vermont 5, Massachusetts 13, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 5, New York 35, New Jersey 2, Penn- 
sylvania 21, IMaryland 2, Arkansas 1, Missouri 2i, Tennessee 3^, 
Kentucky 9, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 
5, Iowa 4, Minnesota 21 — 178^- 

Some of Douglas's friends here absurdly claimed the nays to indicate 
positively their strength. 

The Convention now refused, objection being made, to hear a com- 
munication from the State of Mississippi. 

The question was then taken on seconding the demand for the previ- 
ous question, upon the proposition of Mr. Church. It was not agreed 
to. Yeas 107i, nays 140^, as follows: 

Y^EAS — Maine 6, New Hampshire 5, Vermont 4|, Massachusetts 4|, 
Connecticut 35, New Jersey 2^, Pennsylvania 9|, Maryland 2, Mis- 
souri 2^, Tennessee 3, Kentucky Is, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, 
Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, Mmnesota 2^ — Wlh 

Nays — Maine 2, Vermont -J, Massachusetts 4^, Rhode Island 4, 
Connecticut 2 — one absent, New York 35, New Jersey 4^. Pennsylva- 
nia 16^, Delaware 2, Maryland 6, Virginia 15, North Carolina 10, 
Arkansas 1, Missouri 6^, Tennessee 8, Kentucky IO5, Minnesota U, 
California 4, Oregon 3 — 1405- 

On calling the roll, the New York delegation asked permission to re- 
tire for consultation, and during the interim there was an entire cessa- 
tion of business. The power of the State of New York was made 
quite apparent in this vote, and it also appeared that the course she 
would take was among the uncertainties. Some considered the vote to 
indicate the determination of New York not to sustain^Douglas. There 
were evidences, however, that it was a piece of New York tactics not at 
all incompatible with friendliness toward Douglas. New York judged 
it unwise to stifle debate — that was all. 



166 



Tli(3 qupstion was then stated to be upon the amenclment to the 
amendment. 

Mr. Gihnor of Pennsylvania offered the following amendment to Mr. 
Church's resolution : 

Revoked, That the rresidcnt of the Convention be directed to issue tickets of 
admission to seats in'tlie Convention to the dele.fiates from the States of Texas. 
Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas, in which States there are no contesting dele- 
gations. 

A motion to adjourn to ten o'clock, Tuesday, was now negatived by 
a vote of 35 to 216. A motion to take a recess until five o'clock in 
the evening, was carried viva voce. 

EVENING SESSION. 

The chair gave notice of the possession of documents regarding con- 
tested scats. 

Mr. Gihnor has his amendment read again, having slightly modi- 
fied it : 

Rexoh'cd, That the President of the Convention be authorized to issue tickets 
of admission to seats in this Convention to the delegates from the States of 
Arkansas, Texas, Florida and Mississippi, in which States there are no contest- 
ing delegations, and tiiat in those States, to wit, Delaware, Georgia, Alabama 
and I.ouisiana, where there are contesting delegations, a committee on Creden- 
tials shall be appointed, by the several delegations, to report upon said States. 

Mr Clark of J^Ii.ssouri obtained, after encountering some objections, 
the reading for information of a proposition which he considered of im- 
mense altitude. 

It was: Strike out the proviso in the amendment of Mr. Church of 
New York, and add the following: 

Resolved, Tliat the citizens of the several States of the Union have an equal right 
to settle and remain in the Territories of the United States, and to hold therein, 
unmolested by any legislation whatever, their .slaves and other property ; and 
that this Convention recognizes th(> opinion of tlie Supreme Court of thi' United 
States in the Dred Scott case as a true exposition of tlie Constitution in regard 
to the rights of the citizens of the several States and Territories of the United 
States upon all subjects concerning wliich it treats ; and that the members of 
this Convention pledge themselves, and require all others who may be author- 
ized as delegates, to make the same pledge, to support the Democratic candi- 
dates, fairly and in good faith, nominated by this Convention according to the 
usages of the National Democratic party. 

The debate now opened upon the proposition of Mr Gilnior, Mr. 
Randall of Pennsylvania obtaining the floor. Mr. R inlali however ad- 
dressed himself to the amendment of Mr. Church. lie s^iid : 

The amendment of the gentleman from New York itnftoses a condi- 
tion upon the returning members of the several States that seceded at 
Charleston. I deny the power of this Convention to impose any such 
condition. The right of their constituents is unqualified, and beyond 
the power of this Convention, to send their representatives to this body 
without condition and without limitation. [Applause and hisses.] It 
is an intereference with the right of the constituents of seven seceding 



1G7 

States to impose any qualification upon the roprcscntativcp of this hofly. 
I deny its equity or its justice. 

It is said in the amendment tlmt it is " understood." Utiderstnod ! 
an npology for the hroad declaration of a naked invasion of the ri;;hts 
of freemen. Not that the meiiii)ers of this body thus ailmitted h;ivc 
denied the right, but it is understood that they are pledged to do what 
other members are not pledged to do — to conform to the decision of the 
majority. Mr. President and gentlemen, I invoke you to look at the 
injustice of every such qualification — a qualification which no honorable 
man, except under very peculiar circumstances, could ever submit to ; 
a qualification which it is known that the representatives of these seven 
seceding States will never submit to. [Applause and hisses.] But, 
Mr. President and brethren of the great Democratic family, who are 
now contending for the success of the Democratic cause, I ask you to 
halt, not simply upon the ground of right and justice, but of policy. 
Not a member of this body but knows that the representatives of those 
States will not give any such pledge [applause and hisses] ; that it is 
tantamount to a declaration of expulsion from the body. [Applause 
and hisses.] 

Mr. Hoag of Virginia : 

I rise to a question of privilege. I desire to ascertain, once for all, 
whether, when a gentleman like that from Pennsylvania is addressing 
the Convention, he is to be exposed to the cowardly insult of hisses 
from the gallery? [Applause, and calls to order by the chair.] I ask 
if citizens of Virginia are to endure the ignominy and insult of hearing 
honorable gentlemen hissed from the galleries for uttering sentiments in 
accordance with our own ? If there is to be an outside pressure 
brought to bear upon this body, I, for one, will deem my personal 
honor sacrificed if I remain here without being protected against the 
outrage and insult of these his.ses. [Applause.] 

The chair was properly indignant at the outsiders. Mr. Randall 
made the usual appeals for harmony (which meant the sacrifice of 
Douglas) and the preservation of the unity of the party and the integrity 
of the Union. 

Mr. Richardson of Illinois replied. He was opposed to the adop- 
tion of the amendment of Mr. Gilmor. He said : 

It declares that the President of the Convention shall issue his tick- 
ets to the delegates from Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas. 
Talking, the other day, in the city of Washington, with a delegate 
from the State of Florida, who was at Richmond, I learned from him the 
fact that they were not accredited to this Convention. The gentleman 
from Pennsylvania proposes by bis amendment to elect delegates from 
the State of Florida, that the people have not accredited. To that I 
am opposed. We are not so hard driven yet as to be compelled to 
elect delegates from States that do not choose to send any here. It is 
true, the delegate with whom I talked, said to me that if this Conven- 
tion invited them — I believe his words were, "extended the olive 
branch " to them — they would come here. I want no delegates here 
who have not been accredited here. I do not propose to sit s'.de by 
side with delegates who do not represent the people; who a;e not 
bound by any thing, when I am to be bound by every thing. [Applause.] 



168 



I know, so fur as I have heard, that there is no contest about the 
seats f'-iiin ^Mississippi. By placing them here, in connection with the 
others, it is impossible that the sense of this Convention can be fully 
expressed, fl shall vote against the amendment, because it brings del- 
egates in here who have not been sent here ; because it decides a con- 
troversy in another State without a hearing; because I have not heard 
whether in the State of Missi.-sippi they have been sent here or not. I 
think that in all these cases the usages of the Democratic party require 
that they should be investigated by a committee before any of them are 
admitted upon this floor. [Applause ] 

Mr. Richardson's speech received the most marked attention, for the 
reason, he was known to be peculiarly the spokesman of Douglas. He 
was always deeply in earnest, and his tone was that of the utmost de- 
gree of resolution. 

JMr. Cochrane of New York made a speech, quite impressive in voice 
and manner, but not containing much matter. He was not in favor of 
either proposition before the house in its integrity. 

Mr. Kussell of Virginia made a speech in which he said that Virginia 
intended to cling to the Democracy of the South, and see that they had 
fiiir play at least. He hi;d seen that day she would have ftiir play. 
He urgently appealed for the admission of Southern delegates, regard- 
ing whose seat there was no contest. As to the merits of the proposed 
test, he said : I suppose we all come here to be bound by the obliga- 
tions of gentlemen. If we are not gentlemen — if we are such knaves 
that we cannot trust one another — we had better scatter at once, and 
cease to make any effort to bind each other. [Applause. — ^ 

Montgomery of Pennsylvania now made his sensation speech. 

Mr. Montgomery of Pa. — I regret that the previous question was 
not sustained this morning. I regret that the time of this Convention 
has been taken up in this discussion ; but as it has progressed thus far, 
it is due to those who are opposed to the resolution offered by my col- 
league, that they should exjiluin their views upon it. My colleague 
(Mr. Eandall) has said that we are under no pledges. I differ with 
him. There is not a Democrat upon this floor who is not under the most 
solemn pledges of his honor as a man, and of his integrity as a Demo- 
crat, to abide by the nominations that we may make. [Applause.] 
And 1 say to my colleague that 'if he thinks that he is not bound by 
those honorable obligations, the sooner he retires from the Convention, 
the sooner he will relieve the Democracy from the imputation which he 
has slight to cast upon it. Any man who ctmes into the Convention 
of a party is bound by its decisions. You turn the party back into 
chaos if you do not acknowledge that obligation. [Loud applause.] 

Now what is it we propose that these delegates shall do '! It is simply 
that they shall give that honorable pledge, and declare, in taking their 
seats, that they will not countenance a Seceders' Convention in another 
place. [Enthusiastic applause, in which the galleries participated.] 

The President — The g<'ntlenien will suspend. The proceedings of 
the Convention have again been interrupted by loud clapping and noises 
from the gallery. 

Many Voices — Ou the floor. 



169 

A Delegate — And in the gallery. 

The President — And in the gallery also, distinctly seen and licard 
by me. 

Mr. Johnson of Maryland — As a delegate from Maryland, I ask 
that representatives of tliis State may be cleared from the imputation 
cast upon them by the disorder in the gallery. Tiiose joining in the 
disorder there are not the people of IJaltimore. I ask of the chair that 
the gallerie.s may be cleared. [Cries from all parts of the house — 
"No," "No," "No"— and hisses. 

Mr. Montgomery — We have heard this before at Charleston. I have 
had to sic silent when an honorable delegate from the far South was 
hissed by a whole gallery for casting his vote as he had the right to do 
as the representative of a sovereign State, and the indignation ami mani- 
festation of feeling as exhibited here to-day nowhere exhibited itself 
then. [Applause.] I do not justify the applause, but I am here in 
defense of my rights, as that man was there in defense of his. Let us 
have even-handed justice. 

Tlie President — The chair begs leave to remind the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania that on that occasion the hissing was about to produce a 
clearing of the gallery, and it was at the special request of Mr. Perry 
of South Carolina that the Convention desisted from that act. 

Mr. Wright of Pennsylvania — We were hissed time and again at 
Charleston. 

[The manner of Mr. Montgomery in referring to the hissing of Mr. 
Perry from the Convention at Charleston, was perfectly ferocious. A 
grizzly bear could not have presented a more formidable appearance, or 
growled with more ravenous rage.] 

Wo are situated, peculiarly, Mr. President. We are situated to-day 
as no Democratic Convention has never been in before, in the history of 
the party. From the day that the first Democratic Convention assem- 
bled, up to this hour, we never have had a scene presented to us like 
this. 'i^^For the first time in the history of the Democratic party, a num- 
ber of delegations of sovereign States relinquished and resigned, by a 
solemn instrument in writing, their places as delegates upon the floor of 
the Convention. They went out with a protest, not against a candidate, 
but against the principles of a party, declaring that they were not their 
principle-^ — that they did not hold them, and they would not indorse 
and support them."( There, sir, was the divorce of which my colleague 
has spoken, They declared it. It was not our act, but theirs. They 
put themselves from us, and not we from them. : And not onlj^that, 
but they called a hostile Convention, in the city of Charleston, and sat 
side by side with us, deliberating upon a nomination of candidates and 
the adoption of a platform. Principles hostile to ours were as.serted, 
and a nomination hostile to ours was threatened. Our Convention was 
compelled, under the circumstances, in order to have those sovereign 
States represented, to adjourn. We did adjourn. What became of the 
gentlemen who seceded V They adjourned to meet at Richmond^at an- 
other time. They did meet at Richmond. It is said by honorable 
gentlemen that they seek to come back and sit upon this floor with us. 
Now what did they do at Richmond ? They adjourned that Convention, 



170 

and to-(l:iy they hold it in terrorem over us if we do not come to their 
terms. [Applau^^e.] 

We adjiiurned for wh:it? For the purpose of enabling thnse States 
in the South, whot^e delegates had seceded, to fill up the phifes of those 
who had left us. Now, 1 appeal to the magnanimity, to the Democracy, 
to the manhood of any delegate here, if such was not your declaration 
sent greeting to all those States? We told them — " Fill up your dele- 
gations and send us back new men." They have filled them up, and 
they have sent delegates who claim to represent the people of those 
States. * * * 

But the gentleman from Virginia tells us that from the State-of 
Florida tlje delegates have come to inform us that they have their original 
authority which constituted them delegates to the National Convention 
at Charleston. But he forgets that these same delegates, by a paper 
which remains on file in this Convention, resigned their places and aban- 
doned them. They declared that they were no longer delegates to this 
Convention, and they filed a protest against its proceedings. And not 
only that, they were now in a hostile organization to ours. Now, I am 
in favor, under these circumstances, and their peculiar situation (one 
which has never existed before), of requiring that those delegates shall 
declare, when they are admitted to seats upon this floor, that they are 
honorably bound by our action, and by the nominations that we may 
make. We owe that to ourselves, to the party, to the country, and to 
the Union, which they tell us is to be preserved by the action of those 
very delegates. Do we require it of one side ? Not at all — but of all 
sides. My colleague (Mr. Randall) says he is in favor of perpetuating 
our glorious Union. So am I. God knows I love the Star Spangled 
Banner of my country as dearly as he can, and it is because I love the 
country and the Union that I am determined that any man who arrays 
himself in hostility to it shall not, by my consent, take a seat in this 
Convention. [Applause.] , I am opposed to disunion, and I am op- 
posed to the advocates of it. [Applause.] And I am opposed to se- 
cession, either from this Union or from the Democratic Convention, \ 
[Applause.] But when men take this responsibility upon themselves — 
when they file among the records of this Convention their determination 
to have nothing more to do with its action — when they make speeches 
in our hearing, declaring that the principles of the party are not their 
principles, and that they will not be bound to support them — then I say 
it is high time, if they ask to come back, that they shall declare that 
they|J}ave changed their minds. [Applause.] What is the history of 
the past? Is this a novel feature in the proceedings of National Con- 
ventions? No, sir — it is a part of the history of our party that in all 
such contests we have always required such pledges. The gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Cochrane) felt the pressure of this same practice 
when he referred to his own delegation. Only at your last National 
Convention in Cincinnati, a contest existed between the two wings of 
the party in the State of New York. And it was required of the dele- 
gates from that State, befoi'e they had an examination upon their cre- 
dentials, that they should pledge themselves to abide by the action of 
the Couventioa and support the nominees of the Convention. [Ap- 



171 

plause.] Are you going to insult the empire State of New York 't Are 
you willing to make an exception against New York in favor of the 
South V [Cries of " No ! " " no ! "] Even-biinded justice is all I am 
asking for. I ask that we shall adhere to the precedents of the past. 
[Ajiplause.] 

This was the speech of the day. It was considerably more tlian red 
hot, and by the time he had concluded, the political atin<)Sphere was at 
the temperature it reached in Charleston just before the explosion. 
The speecfi was that of a bold man with a rude sort of ability, and zeal 
developed out of proportion to his discretion. Still it rai.sed every body's 
estimate of " Bill Montgomery." 

Mr. Ewing of Tennessee—I ask you, gentlemen of this Democratic 
Convention from all portions of this country, what do you mean ? Have 
you no enemy in front? Have you any States to spare? Have you 
any States to give up? If you have, I have not yet learned it from 
the history of the past, or from the position of parties and of men at 
the present moment. We are pursued in front bv a remorseless enemy, 
advancing step by step, squadron by squadron, until the field is almost 
irretrievably lost. And yet from all quarters and all sides of this Con- 
vention come exclamations of bitterness and words that burn, with a 
view to open the breach in our ranks wider and wider, until at last, 
Curtius-like, vye will be compelled to leap into it to close it. What 
advantage will this give you? Who will be benefited l)y it? 

And so on, begging for conciliation — which means, cut the throat of 
Douglas ! He said : 

It seems to me that gentlemen forget that this is a voluntary Conven- 
tion for the purpose of selecting a Democratic candidate for the Presi- 
dency. And how do you expect to succeed ? Suppose, you Democrats 
of the North, you nominate your candidate, do you expect to receive 
the votes of Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas, by keeping them 
out of this Convention, and keeping up a constant fire of invective and 
reproach upon them ? Can you affijrd to lose their votes ? 

I invoke this Convention to admit Florida, Mississippi and Texas — 
strike out Arkansas if there is any contest — and if there is to be a com- 
mittee on Credentials, let them report, let the Convention ilecide, and then 
we will be prepared to go on with the nominations. But as matters 
now stand, the Convention is losing its whole power and frittering away 
its time upon these little and formal technicalities. I tell you that if 
this Convention does not nominate before long — within a few days — I 
believe that we shall become utterly and irretrievably demoralized and 
lost. 

Mr. Loring of Massachusetts, who had not been at the Charleston 
Convention, his substitute being there, said : 

Now, as I surveyed the doings of this Convention at Charleston, 
what did I see? When the platform of principles was discus.sed there, 
I saw a portion of my party driven, honestly driven, by the declarations 
therein made, from that Convention, to take their stand upon what they 
believed to be their constitutional rights. [Applause.] 

And when I come here to-^^ay what do I see? Why, I see these 
gentlemen presenting themselves here, and, as I insist, only claiming 



172 

those ri2;hts wliich tboy have no power to resign to this Convention. 
They claim their right to sit here as members delegated by their sover- 
eign States, and answerable to their sovereign States for their doings 
here. Is that not so? Has this Convention any power to expel or re- 
tain, to bind or loose? Has it any power to accept my resignation ? 
Am I not answerable to my constituency, and to them alone — to the 
party organization that sent me here ? And when T see those gentle- 
men presenting themselves at the doors of this Convention, the first 
impulse of my heart is, not to stand here quibbling upon questions of 
technical right, but to open my arms and welcome them in here [ap- 
plause], and congratulate the Democratic party of this country. 

Now, sir, wlien I hear judgment passed here upon any one of these 
States; when I hear it said that delegates from any one of these States 
have seen fit to present themselves at the doors of another Convention ; 
when I hear the judgment passed upon them that they have not been 
reaccredited to this Convention, I am astonished — I am appalled. I do 
not understand such a position. I say that these delegates do not need 
any reaccrediring. The power they formally possessed is still theirs, 
and I beg and implore this body to give them their seats here, cordially 
and freely, and receive them here as members of this body. Sir, what 
is your nomination without that '! I have heard, for the first time in a 
Democratic Convention, declarations made that there are sections in this 
country. I had thought I must go elsewhere for that. I have heard 
enough of that in Massachusetts. 

I beg this Convention to interpose no obstacle to the admission of 
these gentlemen. I beg this Convention to invite and assist them to 
come back ; and let me not be compelled now to vote upon a question 
which by a single technical point can in any way throw obstacles in their 
way. I never wish to vote upon it ; but it must come. If I must cast 
my vote upon it, it shall be for that proposition, whatever it may be, 
which shall open the doors of this Convention, and allow our brethren 
freely to come in. [Renewed applause.] 

* * * Gentlenjen, let me tell you, that if the declaration I have 
heard here this afternoon, that the State of Florida presents no dele- 
gates to this Convention, is carried out by a vote of this body, and if 
it is made in that way a represensation of only a portion of the States 
of this Union, I will resign my seat, and never be bound by its action. 
[LQud applause from Southern delegates.] 

Mr. King of Missouri made a sensation speech — the most unreserved 
yet in handling delicate subjects. He said : 

An amendment is offered by the gentlemen from Penn.«ylvania to 
select some four States, in which he says there is no contest, and to 
give to delegates of those States certificates accrediting them to this 
Convention on an equal footing with other delegates. Now, I deny 
that that is democratic. If there never had been a whisper that these 
men have a roving commission in their pockets to go liore or yonder, 
and play fast and loose with this Convention [laughter] — if they came 
here with clean papers, and nobody disputing that they were delegates, 
their credentials ought to go to a committee. That is the usage of the 
party. 

« ♦ * * « * . * 



173 

If I find, from the report of the coimiiitteo, that they are accredited 
to a Convention antagonistic to tliis — and if 1 find tliey liavo been there 
and elected their officers and taken a recess, and have come here like 
the man who went to a camp-meeting becau.se he had the right to go 
there, then the amount of it is that they are not entitleil to seals here. 
Tbey have come here for mischief. [Applause.] 

Nuw, if I have no authority, still i verily believe that they intend, 
if they cannot have things as they want them here, to go hack to ilich- 
mond, and the powers of heaven and earth will be invoked to bring 
into condemnation the acts of this Convention. And they intend to 
put in nomination some man who has neither heels nor bottom enouo'h 
to get the nomination here, and put him up against tlie nomination of 
tlie Democratic party. [Applause.] And if it turns out, as 1 believe 
the facts to be, in reference to their credentials, that they have no ri^bt 
here, so help me God, they will never get my vote. [Applause.] But 
if the majority of the Convention overlook all that, and let them in, I 
will greet them, because they are entitled to my rej-pect. 

Now, as regards Florida, they throw themselves upon their dignity, 
like South Carolina. [Laugbter.] They scouted the idea of coming 
here, and they are not accredited to come, and yet these gentlemen 
want to bring them in. I say it is the height of absurdity. iSouth 
Carolina, I am sorry to have it to say, is the only State that has pre- 
served her dignity. [Laughter.] 

Let any man study the history of Barnwell Khett and his coadju- 
tors lu the days of Jackson, and he will find that they would rather 
dissolve the Union than keep it together. [Applause.] Look at the 
tone of the Charleston Mercury since the Charleston Convention. It 
is independent enough to tell the truth, and it does tell the truth. 
Those delegates who come here from the seceding States are the asso- 
ciates of those men who say that while the Democratic party has kept 
its organization together nationally it was a stumbling block to disunion. 
I wonder, when they come to Richmond, if they will try to keep them- 
selves from being made an entering wedge to render it asunder. I do 
not know, but 1 trust they will indulge ni no such scheme. 

* * * * * * * 

But: these secessionists tell us that Virginia will go, and then as a 
matter of course, her daughters, Tennessee and North Carolina, would 
follow their mammy. And even Kentucky, Maryland and ^Missouri 
would take the same course. They then say, if you nominate Douglas 
it will be a sectional nomination as much as that of Seward or Lincoln^ 
and it would not be long before you would call us Free-Soileis, and even 
the veriest Abolitionists. Even now it is said that we are a bogus Con- 
vention.' High legal authority at Washington (the Attorney General, 
I suppose), [laughter], says we are functus officio. Sq^ I suppose if 
they do not succeed in disorganizing us, and go to Richmond, then 
they will call us a bogus concern. ' In conclusion, he called upon the 
Convention to hold on to the national organization. He did not believe, 
if eight or ten men could destroy the Union, it was worth preserving. 
[Applause] 

He further remarked, that if the delegates from Southern States who 



174 

would not aliiile the decision of the Convention were to go out, there 
were other men from the same States just as good, ready to come in. 

Mr. West of Connecticut proceeded to review the speech of Mr. 
Loring : 

f; A portion of delegates have seceded, have withdrawn. Has a man 
from Connecticut V has a man from New England 'i has a man from the 
North declared that if certain things were not done they would with- 
draw from the Convention V No, sir ; not one. We come here in good 
faitb, with our preferences, it is true, and determined to vote and act 
like freemen. If you vote us down we will go home and hurrah for 
your candidate the best we can. * [Applause.] 

Dcleo-ates have withdrawn ; the Hon. gentleman from Massachusetts 
(Mr. Loring), with whom I have not the honor of an acquaintance, 
says that they were driven from this Convention. I ask, in the name 
of God, how driven ? Has any thing been done here that has not been 
done in accordance with the principles and usages of the party ? Yet 
these gentlemen have left upon the records of this Convention their sol- 
emn protest when they withdrew. And for what did thej' Avithdraw ? 
Simply because the majority would not bow down and give them the 
platform they desired ; such a platform, too, as four years ago they did 
not ask. [Applause.] I ask the indulgence of this Convention while 
I read a single sentence from the protest of the Mississippi delegation, 
although the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Loring) rises in his 
place and informs the members here that those delegates were driven 
out of the Convention : 

"As the representatives of Mississippi, knowing her wishes; as hon- 
orable men regarding her commands ; we withdraw from the Conven- 
tion, and, as far as our action is concerned, absolve her from all connec- 
tion with this body, and all responsibility for its action." 

Who did that ? Did the North do it ? 

You came together with us in common council in Cincinnati, and 
there you gave your unanimous vote for the platform adopted there. 
Four short years have gone their round, and now you ask us to turn 
about and place ourselves in a position which would be absolute death 
to our whole Democratic party of the North. [Applause.] We have 
fouo-ht the IMa(.-k Republicans at home ; we have been denounced from 
the pulpit and from the press, and been hissed in the street. And now 
when we come here and ask you to reaffirm the same principles which 
every leading man of your party in Congress — in the House of liepre- 
sentatives and the Senate of the United States — have proclaimed, you 
even turn around and taunt us with being Black Republicans. ["That 
is too true," and applause.] 

Gentlemen talk of the vote of the South being necessary to carry 
forward and elect the candidate for President. Are not also the votes 
of the North necessary to do that? Change places with us ; let us 
make our platform, revive us with life, being and vigor, send cur repre- 
sentatives to Congress, return our Senators and elect Governors while 
you go down and tight the enemy, as we have done, and see how you 
would like it. [Applause.] 

If you are determined to rend this party and the Union, our homes 



175 

amid the hills of New England are as safe and as sacred as yours upon 
your sunny plains with your thousands of slaves around you. [Ap- 
plause.] And we simply ask that you shall not take a po>ition, and 
force use to take a position, which will be tantamount to absolute ruin 
when we return to our constituents. As to your taunts and threats we 
heed them not. 

The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Loring) asks, "Will you 
be bound?" Certainly; shackle us by your party trammels ; make 
your decrees here, simply give us the right to speak when we have that 
rio'ht ; give us the right to vote in common with you, and i pledge you 
my word you will never hear the word "secession" from the North. 
[Applause.] 

An old-fashioned gentleman from Missouri, Mr. Hunter, now gave 
his colli-ague, Mr. King, some attention. Mr. Hunter stated that Gov. 
Kino- was not a Democrat, but a sort of Benton man. Mr. Hunter 
further remarked : 

When he was told, in Charleston, that Mr. Douglas would not 
stand upon a certain platform, he had said this Union could get 
alone just as well if five hundred Douglases were dead and out of the 
way. [Applause.] If Mr. Douglas were to die to-night, there were 
five hundred men in the Democratic party who would make just as good 
a President as he. Mr. Douglas had done and was doing exactly what 
Benton had done for the party in Missouri ; divided and broken them 
up. The contest between Benton and the people of Missouri, had beea 
upon the -Jackson resolution. His colleague (Mr. King), was Governor 
of Missouri when that resolution was first introduced, and was supposed 
to be in favor of it. But before the end of the session, he turned 
against it, and has been with Col. Benton ever since. 

The old gentleman's quaint remarks put the Convention in a good 
humor. 

Mr. Avery of North Carolina — The remarks that have fallen from 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Montgomery), and from Illinois 
(Mr. Merrick), require a reply at my hands. The speeches of the 
gentlemen, I suppose, indicate the sentiments of their hearts, a senti- 
ment I would not entertain toward my Northern brethren to be Presi- 
dent of the United States. It looks to us at the South as if it were 
the settled purpose to drive us from this Convention. But there is got 
to be more said than has been said, before they can drive me from this 
Convention. 

Mr. Avery was but very imperfectly heard, but the spirit of his 
remarks was such as to irritate the Convention again. 

Mr. Atkins of Tennessee appealed for harmony in the usual way, and 
with the common meaning, and called the previous question. The call 
was sustained by an almost unanimous vote, only Illinois and Michigan 
voting against it. The Convention then adjourned. 

It was felt at the close of this long and warm debate (it occupied 
near sis consecutive hours), that the general effect had been to damage 
Mr. Douglas, whose enemies took courage. The friends of Mr. Doug- 
las, however, gathered in great strength with their bands of music 
about the streets, and concentrated iu front of the residence of Hon. 



176 

Reverdy Johnson, one of th«ir head-quarters, with their bands of 
music, and there were soon many thousands packed together there. 

The first speech was by Mr. Powell of New York, who was for 
Douglas. But a large portion of the crowd was against Douglas, and 
swayed over toward the Gilmore House, where deafening and persistent 
cries of " Yancey," " Yancey," were raised. Ex-Senator Soule was the 
principal speaker from the steps of Mr. John-on's house, though 
Claiborne of Missouri made a violent speech Judge Meek of Ala- 
bama and Barry of Mississippi spoke to the Southern crowd. So there 
were two mass meetings of the Democracy side by side, both in full 
blast for about three hours, and the speakers of each substantially ia 
effect, and sometimes in express words, reading the opposing crowd out 
of the party. The Southerners were the longest winded, and kept up a 
torrent of speaking and roar of shouting for four hours. It was sur- 
prising to see that so much of the outside pressure was against Douglas. 
There was such a tremendous and incessant yelling for Yancey, that a 
few minutes before twelve o'clock, that gentleman appeared and made 
one of his handsome silver-toued speeches, which sati?fied the -crowd. 
For the last hour of the Southern meeting, the Douglasites congregated 
on the opposite side of the square, and gave three cheers for Douglas 
at short intervals and kept a band of music playing lively airs. This 
conflict of jurisdiction was for the most part good-humored. There 
was a surprising number of people in the streets during the early part 
of the night ; the strangers in the city being numbered by tens of thou- 
sands, whilst citizens swarmed forth enjoying the pleasant air, the 
excellent music discoursed by half a dozen hands, and the excitement 
of the politicians who were in fervent heat and violent commotion. 



SECOND DAY 



Tuesday, June 19tli, 18G0. 

Convention met, with the expectation on the part of those who had 
not been informed as to the action taken in caucus, of proceeding at once 
to vote upon the amendment of Mr. Gilmor. Mr. Church a.>~ked unan- 
imous consent for the purpose of making a motion that would harmonize 
the Convention. It was given. Mr. Church had had a consultation 
with Mr. Gilmor and said : 

Mr. Gilmor of Pennsylvania has consented to withdraw entirely 
bis amendment, to my amendment, to Mr. Howard's original resolution, 
and 1 am prepared to do away with the latter portion of my amendment 
as offered yesterday, and make it only a reference to the connnittee on 
Credentials. 

Mr. Gilmor of Pennsylvania arose and announced in person that he 
would withdraw his amendment. 

Mr. Church again arose and withdrew the latter portion of his amend- 
ment, a^king that it be read by the Secretary as modified. 

The Convention now came to a vote upon the naked proposition to 
refer all contested seats to the committee on Credentials, and there was 



177 



no dissenting voice. The resolution as amended and adopted is as fol- 
lows : 

Resolved, That the credentials of all persons claiming seats in this Convention, 
made vacant by the secession of delegates at Charlc;ston, be referred to the com- 
mittee on Credentials, and said committee are hereby instructid. as soon as 
practicable, to examine the same, and report the names of persons entitled to 
such seats. 

Some changes were announced by the various delegations in the com- 
mittee on Credentials, which committee is constituted as follows : 



Maine — C. D. Jameson. 
New Hampshire — A. P. Hughes. 
Vermont — Stephen Thomas. 
Massachusetts — Oliver Stevens. 
Rhode Island — George H. Brown. 
Connecticut — James Gallagher. 
New York-Del. De Wolf. 
New Jersey — A. R. Speer. 
Pennsylvania — H. M. North. 
Delaware — John H. Bradley. 
Maryland— W. S. Gittings. 
Virginia — E. W. Hubbard. 
North Carolina — R. R. Bridges. 
South Carolina — G. B. F. Perry. 
(Jeorgia — Vacancy. 
Florida — do. 
Alabama— do. 



Louisiana — Vacancy, 
Mississippi — do. 
Texas — do. 

Arkansas — do. 
Missouri — Judge Crum. Chairman. 
Tennessee — W. H. Carroll. 
Kentucky— G. F. Wood. 
Oliio — Mr. Stecdman. 
Indiana — S. A. Hall. 
Hlinois — W. Allen. 
Michigan — J. G. Parkhurst. 
Wisconsin — Mr. Sniitii. 
Iowa — Mr. Finch. 
Minnesota— H. II. Sibley. 
California — Mr. Gregory. 
Oregon — Gov. Stevens. 



There was some difference of opinion as to the time to whicli an ad- 
journment should be taken, there being, of course, no business which 
could be transacted in the absence of the committee on Credentials, 
with the cases of half a dozen delegations pending. An adjournment 
was carried to five o'clock. 



EVENING SESSION. 

A great deal of difficulty was experienced by the delegates in obtain- 
adniission to the Convention. A new set of tickets had been issued, 
because the old ones had been counterfeited, and crowds obtained ad- 
mission who had no business among the delegates. But the two sets 
of tickets were greatly mixed. A good many delegates had not under- 
stood the order for a change of tickets, and there was an immense 
amount of trouble and botheration outside. When the Convention was 
called to order, Mr. Fisher of Virginia rose to a question of privilege, 
and denounced the trained bands at the doors of the Convention and 
the officers of the Convention. He talked of secession from the Con- 
vention and a dissolution of the Union, in case delegates were not better 
treated. Mr. Stetson of New York quietly ridiculed the gentleman of 
Virginia for his portentous speech about a small matter. The chair 
stated the imperative necessity that existed for guarding the doors. A 
communication from the committee on Credentials was read. It was 
badly written and badly read ; and as read, it desired the Convention 
to continue its sessions. The chair said he would state the substance 
of the communication ; and this was received with roars of laughter. 
12 



178 

The communication was, of course, that the committee wanted time, 
and that it iv^quested to be permitted to continue its sessions. There 
being no business before the Convention, it adjourned in good humor. 
During the evening the politicians were full of excitement about the 
proceedings in the committee en Credentials, a personal diflficulty be- 
tween Messrs, Hindmaa and Plooper of Arkansas, having given them 
a high flavor. 

At the time the Convention adjourned there was a heavy shower, and 
a great many people remained in the theatre ; there were several persona 
called out to amuse the crowd. Mr. Fisher of Virginia was called out 
by Marshal Rynders, who led the foolishness. Mr. Fisher got along 
tolerably well until he pronounced emphatically emfat a-li — something 
being troubling his vocal organs. Upon this he was cheered down. 
Then citizen Work of Mississippi — known here as the man with the scar- 
let vest — was called out, and had much to say of this degenerate age. 
Even the Democracy was degenerating. The old gentleman swung his 
hat and cane about his head, scattering his papers fi.r and wide, and 
told of his fiiendship for Andrew Jackson, making mention of the fact 
that there were no Jacksons in this dejirenerate age. 



THIRD DAY. 



Wednesday, June 20th, 1860. 

The theatre was greatly crowded this day, and thousands swarmed 
about the various public places of the city, discussing the ciisis. There 
was a slight controversy between Messrs. Clark and King, of Missouri, 
about Col. Benton's democracy; and a communication was read from 
the Florida delegation, protesting that they were not seeking admission 
into the Convention. [The fact is they were waiting to be asked, and 
rather solicitous than otherwise on the subject of an invitation.] 

Mr. Ludlow of New York stated the committee on Credentials 
would not be ready to report until 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and the 
Convention took a recess until that time, when Mr. Stuart of Michi- 
gan stated the committee would not be able to report until next day; 
and the Convention adjourned. The city was meanwhile full of rumors 
about the action of the committee on Credentials, and probable results; 
and the controversies between the opposing factions were becoming more 
embittered every hour. 



FOURTH DAY. 



Thursday, Juno 21st, ISGO, 
There was an immense crowd in attendance upon the Convention 
this day. All the circles of the theatre were densely filled, and the 
floor allotted to delegates was encumbered by outsiders. Soon after the 



179 

call to order, the floor in the centre of the Convention jjave wny. The 
accident wis not serious in itself, but the piinie w;is diin^^erons. Dele- 
gates rushed in masses to the windows, and clinihed. niiutily as tnon- 
keys, over the chairs of the reporters seeking, accordinjo; to appear- 
ances, to place themselves under the protection of the President. As 
soon as quiet was restored, another sensation was produced hy a person 
in the gallery spreading his utnhrella, and suspending it over a chan- 
delier in which the gas was burnino;, as the day was quite dark. There 
was danger that the umbrella would take fire; and in case it did, all 
felt that a dreadful alarm would spread throughout the building. A 
hundred voices ordered the man with the umbrella to withdraw it from 
the gas, but he stretched bis neck to see what the row was about, and 
was astonished to sec every b dy looking at him. He heard the call 
at last, and obeyed the multitudinous commandment. The Convention 
now took a recess of an hour for the repair of the floor. Delegates 
were ordered to give up their tickets upon re-entering the ball, that the 
masses of intruders could be kept out. 

Upon reassembling, the repnrfs were received from the committee on 
Credentials. Mr. Krum of Missouri presented the majority report, as 
follows : 

MAJORITT REPORT. 

To the rrmdent of the National Democratic Convention : 

Sir— The committee upon Credentials rei-pccUuily report, that prior to the 
adjournment of this Convention at Charleston, ou the 3d of May last, the fol- 
lowing: resolution was adopted : 

''Resolved, That when this Convention adjourns to-day, it adjourn to reassem- 
ble at Baltimore, Md., on Monday, the 18lh day of June, and that it be respect- 
fully recommended to the D; mocratic pany of the several States to make 
provision lor supplying all vacancies in their respective delegations to this 
Convention when it shall reassemble." 

On the reassembling of this Convention at Baltimore, the following resolution 

was adopted : , . •, ^ • i- , i 

'■FeMdved, That the President of the Convention be authorized to issue tickets 
of admission to seats in this Convention to the delegates Irom the States of 
Arkansas, Texas, Florida, and Mis.«issippi. in which States there are no contesting 
delegations ; and that in those Stales, to wit, Delaware, Georgia, Alabama, and 
Louisiana, where there are contesting delegations, a committee on Cr« deutials 
shall be appointed, by the several delegations, to report upon said States."' 

By the further order of the Convention, the claims of all other pi rsone 
claiming seats were also referred to your committee. Your committee, thus 
instructed, have proceeded to examine the claims of all persons \\hich have 
been broat'-ht before them. Your committee found that the delegations ot the 
several States of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Morica bad 
become wholly vacant by reason of the secession of the entire original d^ legar 
tions from this Convention ; the delegations of the States of Georgia, Arkansas, 
and Delaware had become vacant in part only from the same cause. In no other 
State had there been any secession ; but individual seats were contested in the 
delegations from the States of Massachusetts and Missouri. 

Aside trom the above, no question contesting the seats of delegates was 
brought to the notice of your committee. After patient and full luvestigatioQ, 
your committee arc of opinion that the persons hereinafter named in tie ^^'■'fa- 
tions. which are herewith submitted as a part of this report, are severally enttled 
to seats as delegates in this Convention, and they respectfully recommend that 
they be so received by this Convention. ' 

From the State of Florida, no credentials of any dtdcgates were presentc d_ to 
your committee. From the States of Missi»iippi and Texas, no coutesting 



180 

claimants appear. From Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Arkansas, there 
appeared contesting claimantH for all the vacant seats. Of the four votes to 
which the State of Arkansas is entitled, the now sitting delegates represent and 
vote one. The seats representing the remaining three votes had become vacant 
by the secession of the original delegates. These seats were all contested, one 
set of contestants consisting of six persons, and the other set consisting of three 
persons. Your committee are of opinion, that all of these contestants should be 
admitted to seats as delegates, with the power of voting as hereinafter declared 
in the resolution herewith reported in that behalf. 

In the Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts, it appears that B. F. 
Hallett and another person were appointed as delegates to this Convention, and 
K. S. Chattee and another person were appointed suljstitutes. That Mr. Hallett, 
not being al)le to attend at Charleston, notified Mr. Chaft'ee of that fact, who 
thereupon proceeded to Charleston, presented his credentials, and was duly ad- 
mitted to his seat, which he continued to fill at the time of the adjournment of 
this Convention to Baltimore. At the reassembling of the Convention at Balti- 
more, Mr. Hallett appeared, claimed the seat which had been awarded to Mr. 
Chaffee, and receiving the entrance ticket from the chairman of the Massachusetts 
delegation, actually took possession of the seat. Your committee were of 
opinion that, when Mr. Hallett had notified Mr. Chaffee that he could not fulfill 
his duty as delegate, and Mr. Chattee, repairing to Charleston, had been duly 
admitted to this Convention, his rights to his seat became absolute, and not sub- 
ject to be superseded at the pleasure of Mr. Hallett, and that Mr. Chattee is now 
the rightful delegate to this Convention. 

In the Eighth Electoral District of Missouri the facts are precisely parallel to 
the above Massachusetts case. The only ditterence is in terms, Johnson B. 
Clardy having been elected delegate, and John O'Fallau, Jr., having been elected 
alternate. Your committee, for reasons above stated, are of opinion that Mr. 
O'Fallau is now the rightful delegate. 

In regard to the contesting claimants from Georgia, your committee have to 
report that the evidence adduced before your committee by the respective parties 
presented a great variety of novel as well as complexed facts and questions, 
touching the rights of either parties to seats. Your committee, in attempting 
to solve these difficulties, encountered embarrassments on every hand. After a 
most patient consideration of the whole matter, it seemed to your committee 
that the only way of reaching a satisfactory adjustment, is to admit to seats both 
delegations, with power to each of said delegations to cast one-half of the vote 
of the State, in the manner expressed in the resolution herewith submitted. 
This solution seems equitable to your committee, and therefore they recommend 
the adoption of said resolution. All of which is respectfully submitted. 

JOHN W. KRUM, Chairman. 

1. Resolved, That George H. Gordon, E. Barksdale, W. F. Barry, H. C. Cham- 
bers, Joseph R. Davis, Beverly Matthews, Charles Clark, Wm. L. Featherstou, 
P. F. Slidell, C. G. Armistead, Wm. F. Avant, and T. J. Hudson are entitled to 
seats in this Convention, as delegates from the State of Mississippi. 

2. Resolved, That Pierre Soule, F. Coltman, R. C. Wicklifie, Michael Ryan, 
Manuel White, Charles Brenveneau, Gustavus Leroy, J. E. Morse, A. S. Herron, 
M. D. Colmar, J. N. T. Richardson, and J. L. Walker are entitled to seats in this 
Convention, as delegates from the State of Louisiana. 

3. Resolved. That R. W. Johnson, T. C. Hindman, J. P. Johnson, Leroy CaroU, 
J. Gould, and John A. Jordan be admitted to seats, as delegates from the State 
of Arkansas, with power to cast two votes ; and that Thos. H. Bradley, M. 
Hooper, and D. C. Cross be also admitted to seats, as delegates from the same State, 
with power to cast owe w^<i; and in case either portion of said delegates shall 
refuse or neglect to take their said seats, or to cast their said votes, the other 
portion of said delegatt*, taking seats in this Convention, shall be entitled to 
cast the entire three votes of said State. v ** ^ 

4. Resolved, That (iuy M. Bria^i, F. R. Lubbock, F. S. Starkdale, E. Greer, H. 
R. Riinn.ls, Thos. P. Ochiltree, M. W. Cov<?^, Wm. H. Parsons, R. Ward, J. F. 

vCrosby. B. Burrows, and Van U. Manning are entitled to seats, as delegates from 
Texas. 



181: 

5. Eexolved, That James A. Bayard and Wm. G. Wliitoloy are entitled to seiit!< 
from the county of New Gastle, Delaware. 

ti. A'esolved, That R. L. Challee, who was duly adiniltiMl at Charleiston as a 
delegate Ironi tht! Filth Uonf;ressional District ot Mas^sachuHett.-*. is slill entitled 
to said seat in this Convention, and that Benjamin F. Hallett, who has assumed 
said seat, is not entitled thereto. 

7. K&olied, That John O'Fallon, Jr., who was duly admitted at Charleston as 
a delegate from the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, is still entitlid to 
said seat in this Convention ; and that John B. Clardy, who has assumed said 
seat, is not entitled thereto. 

S. Resolved, That R. A. Barker, D. 0. Humphrey. John Forsyth, Wm. Garrett, 
J. J. Seivels, S. C. Posey, L. E. Parsons, Joseph (J. Bradley, Thomas B. C(joper, 
James AVilliams. 0. H. Bynum, Samuel W. Wheatley, L. V. B. Martin, Jolin W. 
Warrack, W. R. R. Wyatt, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas M. Mathews, and Nur- 
ment McLeod are entitled to seats in this Convention, as delegates Irom the 
State of Alabama. 

9. Resolved, That the delegation from the State of Georgia, of which H. L. 
Benning is chairman, be admitted to the Convention, with power to cast one-half 
of the vote of said State ; and that the delegation from said State, of which Col. 
Gardner is chairman, be also admitted to the Convention, with ])ower to cast 
one-half of the vote of said State ; and if either of said delegations refuse or 
neglect to cast the vote as above indicated, that in such case the delegates pres-- 
eut in the Convention be authorized to cast the full vote of said State. 

Mr. Stevens of Oregon presented the 

MINORITY REPORT. 

To llie PreJiident of Ihe Democratic National Convention : 

Sir— We, the undersigned, members of the committee on Credentials, feel 
constrained to dissent from many of the views and a large portion of the action 
of the majority of the committee in respect to the rights of delegates to seats 
referred to them by the Convention, and to respectfully recommend the adoption 
of the following resolutions : 

1. Resolved, That B. F. Hallett is entitled to a seat in this Convention as a 
delegate from the 5th Congressional District of Massachusetts. 

2. Resolved, That Johnson B. Clardy is entitled to a seat in this Convention as 
a delegate from the 8th Congressional District of the State of Missouri. 

3. Resolved, That James A. Bayard and W.G. Whiteley are entitled to seats in 
this Convention as delegates from the State of Delaware. 

4. Resolved, That the delegation headed by R. W. Johnson are entitled to seats 
as deleuates in this Convention from the State of Arkansas. 

5. Resolved, That the delegation of which Guy N. Bryan is chairman, are en- 
titled to seats as delegates in this Convention from the State of Texas. 

ti. Resolved, That the delegation of which John Tarleton is chairman, are en- 
titled to seats in this Convention as delegates from the State of Louisiana. 

7. Resolved, That the delegation of which L. P. Walker is chairman, are en- 
titled to seats in this Convention from the State of Alabama. 

8. Resolved, That the delegation of which Henry L. Benning is chairman, are 
entitled to seats in this Convention from the State of Georgia. 

9. R&<Qlved. That the delegation from the State of Florida, accredited to the 
Charleston Convention, are entitled to take seats in this Convention, and cast 
the vote of Florida. ,.141, * 

The principles involved in these resolutions, and the facts on which they rest, 
are of such gravity and moment, that we deem it due to the Convention and to 
ourselves to set them forth with care and particularity. We diller radically 
from the majority of the committee, both in much of the action we reciunmend 
to the Convention and the principles which should control such action. It is a 
question not simply of the integrity, but the existence of the Democratic party 
in several States of this Union. It is a question whether the Democratic party 
in said States shall be ostracised and branded as unworthy of alHluUion with the 
national organization. . 

It is a question whether per.sous irregularly called, or withdrawing from the 



18^ 

regular ConvonHon, shall have the panction of the National Convention to raise 
the tia^r of rchi'llioii against their respective State organizations. It is aques- 
tioii whether the tlonvention itself shall repudiate its own deliberate action at 
Clrarlestor). We do not magnify the importance of these questions when we as- 
sert that upon their proper solution depends the fact as to whether there shall 
be a x\atioiKil Democratic party or not. The ta-k will not be difficult to show 
that the action recommended by the majority of the committee is grossly incon- 
sistent, and should be reprobated and condemned by this Convention. But to 
the task, without further preamble. 

Reserving to the closing portion of this report the cases of contested seats in 
the Massachusetts and Missouri delegations, we come at once to the eases of the 
delegates who withdrew from the Charleston Convention. This Convention, on 
the eve of its adjournment at (Charleston, and in the great cause of the restora- 
tion of harmony to our distracted party, "respectfully recommended to the 
Democratic party of the several States to make provision for supplying all va- 
cancies in thi'ir respective delegations to this Convention when it shall reassem- 
ble." We call particular attention to the wording of the resolution. Certain 
delegates had withdrawn. They had placed on the Convention the reasons of 
their withdrawal. 

They still, however, were the representatives of the Democratic party of their 
several States. Their withdrawal was not a resignation. It was not so considered 
by the Convention. The vacancies referred to had reference to the contin- 
gency of vacancies at the time of remsemUing, and the resolution proposed to pro- 
vide for supplying them. The Convention did not presume to touch the ques- 
tion as to whether the withdrawal of the delegates constituted a resignation, 
nor had it any right to interfere in the matter. A resignation must be made to 
the appointing power, and to be complete and final must be accepted liy the 
appointing power. It was well known on the adjournment of the Convention at 
Charleston, that the withdrawing delegates de>sired the instruction of their sev- 
eral constituencies before deciding on their future course. 

Such was the spirit and purpose of their deliberations at Charleston. They 
consulted their respective constituencies. In every case except the case of 
South CaroliTia, their constituencies directed or authorized them — the vacancies 
being tilled as contemplated in the resolution of the Convention — to repair to 
Baltimore, and there in earnest efforts with their brethren of the Convention, to 
endeavor once more to unite their party, and prumote harmony and peace in 
the great cause of their country. The resolution of the Convention did not pre- 
judge the qu(!stion, since so strenuously raised, that their withdrawal was a re- 
signation, but left the whole; question to the said delegates, and their respective 
constituencies, to the end that every State of this Union might be represented 
in Baltimore. 

The committee has passed resolutions, declaring by a vote of 1(1 to 9, that the 
delegation from Louisiana headed l>y Pierre Soule, by a vote of 14 to 11, that 
the delegation from Alal)ama headed by Parsons, by a vote of 13 to 10, and that 
half of each delegation claiming seats from Georgia, are entitlid to scats in the 
Convention. The resolutions recommended by the undersigned to the Conven- 
tion, declare the riglit of the delegations elected to Charleston, with vacancies 
supplied, as contemplated in the resolution of the Convention to which refer- 
ence has been made, and accrt'dited to Baltimore, to said seats. The committee 
which thus recommend tlu' irregular delegates from these three States, have re- 
jected the irregular delegates troin Delaware, and admitted the Charleston dele- 
gates. 

It has admitted irregular delegates from Arkansas, and rejected a portion of 
the Cliarleston delegates, as modilied by the' tilling of vacancies. It has admit- 
ted the (Charl(!ston) delegates from Mississippi, by a vote of 23 to 2, and the 
(Cliarleston) delegates from Texas, by a vote of 1!) to 6. The fact that delega- 
tions are not contested, does not establish tlu; right to seats in the Convention. 
There may be irregular delegates without cont(^st, and there may be a contest 
between two sets of irregular delegates. The right of persons to seats as dele- 
gates is to be det(!rmined by the fact us to whether they were appointed by the 
constituency which they claim to represent, and appointed according to the 
usages of said constituency. Wanting these essential prerequisites, they are not 



183 

entitled to scats, oven if there be no contestants ; and liaviriR Ihi'sc, lliiir right 
to scats is not impairtd or afl'cctcd by contestants. 

The committee, in deciding- by a vote of 23 to 2. (hat the Charleston delegates 
from Mississippi are entitled to seats in the Baltimore Convention, iiavc d«cid(d 
rightly, just because tliey were duly accreditid to ("luuleston. liave ncvtr since 
resigned, and hav(! received instructions from (lie State of Missi-^sijipi. Ilircaigh a 
Convention called of the Democratic Executive Committee of tliu State, to re- 
turn to Baltimore. 

The Charleston delegates, both from Alabama and Georgia, stand in precJBcly 
the same position. They were also duly accredited to Charleston. They with- 
drew, and never resigned. They returned to their respective constituencies. 
The Executive Committec^a in these States, as in the case of Missis^ippi. called a 
Convention of the party. The Conventions met. Tiie delegates, as in the case 
of Mississippi, submitted their action to tlie Conventions, and these Conventions 
approved their course, continued their powers, and accredited them to Baltimore. 
Their rights stand on precisely the same basis, and are sustained by the same 
authority, as in Mississippi. The contestants were appointed by nobody author- 
ized to meet according to the usages of the party in these States, and are not 
entitled to any consideration whatever. 

In the case of Alabama, the Convention assembled on the call of the Demo- 
cratic Executive Committee (addressed to the Democracy of the State), was very 
largely attended, nearly every county in the State having been represented. A 
small numl)er of persons, however, issued a notice, which was pul)iislied in only 
three newspapers in the State — in two papers the notice was without signers, 
and in the third paper (Mol)ile Register), it was signed by John Forsyth and 
thirty-five others. The notice in one paper called upon all Democrats and all 
other pa-son." — in the second paper upon Democrats and all conservatives, and in the 
third paper (Mobile Register), upon the peojjle of Alabama to hold county meet- 
ings and send delegates to a State Convention to be held in Montgomeiy or 
Selma, the -Ith day of June, to appoint delegates to Baltimore. Twenty-eight 
counties only out of fifty-two were represented. 

It was the coming together of persons from all parties outside of the regular 
organization to striixc down the Democracy of the State. It was a call without 
any official authority whatsoever. We thus find the Democracy of the State as- 
sembling in Convention according to the usages of tlie party, and we find at the 
same time persons assembling at the call of unauthorized individuals. In the 
former case the whole State was represented. In the latter about half of the 
State. Yet the majority of the committee have indorsed the action of the De- 
mocracy of Alabama and have repudiated, contrary to all pr(cedent. usage, 
right and justice, the action of the former; not only this, they have n'pudiated 
the principles of their own action in the case of the Mississippi delegation. 

But the action of the majority of the committee in the case of Georgia has 
gone one step further in its disregard of the acknowledged principles of the 
party. The Convention which the committee put on an equality with the regu- 
larly authorized Convention, consisted in great part of persons who just parti- 
cipated in the regular Democratic Convention of the State. The regular called 
Convention consisted of nearly four hundred delegates, representing nearly all 
the counties of the State. The resolutions of the Convention having been 
adopted by a vote of 290 to 41, these latter withdrew from the Convention and 
organized anew. Thus the majority of your committee have exalted the pre- 
tensions of less than one-eighth of the delegates ol the State Convention to an 
equality with the rights of seven-eighths of the Democracy of the State. 

In the case of Louisiana, the old Convention, which originally appointed the 
delegates to Charleston, was reassembled, on the call of the Executive Commit- 
tee of the State, and by a decisive majority accredited the (Charleston delegates 
to Baltimore. The reasons for this action have their parallels in the case of 
Texas and Delaware, which have received the sanction of the committee. In 
Texas, the delegates come back accredited by the Democratic Rxeeutive Commit- 
tee simplv — it being a manifest impossibility, from want of time, to assemble 
the party "in a State Convention ; and in Delaware, under the usages and rules of 
the party, the old Convention was reassembled. In Loui-iana there was time to 
assemble the old Convention, but not to order an election of delegates in the 



184 

* 

several parishes to meet a new Convention. The Executive Committee did 
every thing; it eoiihi to cjct the expression of the views of the State. It reas- 
sembled the old Convention, nearly every parisli in the State being represented, 
and accredited the Charleston delegates to Baltimore. 

But the Convention whose delegates to Baltimore have been indorsed by the 
m;iJority of your CDnimiltee. was calhd tit the instance of two local organizations, 
and of Dr. Cottmaa, a former member of tiie National Executive Committee of 
the party. The calls were somewhat conflicting. The notice did not reach 
many parishes in the State. Only twenty parishes out of thirty-nine are pre- 
teiidid to be represented, and in several of these there is no reason to doubt the 
fact that the delegates did not leave behind them a single constituent agreeing 
with them in sentiments. In not a single pari.sh was this call res^ponded to by 
a majoritj- of tlie Democratic voters. The Convention only represented a very 
small portion of the party — it was totally irregular, besides. 

The majority of the committee object to the action of the old Convention on 
its reassembling at the call of the Executive Committee, on the ground that it 
was defunct and could not be brought to life. Yet it indorses the action of the 
other Convention on the call in part of the equally defunct member of the 
National Committee, Dr. Cottman. Following the usage of Delaware, by the 
Executive Committee of Louisiana, though manifestly a necessity for the reasons 
stated, has no weight as a precedent with this majority. Conceding their ground 
of its being irregular, seats as delegates should be given to the body called by 
the regular authority and not to the body assembled by no responsible authority 
whatever, and especially when the former represented the great body of the par- 
ty and the latter did not. All these considerations, however, have been disre- 
garded by the majority of the committee, who have persisted, by a vote of 16 to 
9, to award the seats as delegates to the representatives of the disorganizing mi- 
nority Convention. 

In the case of Arkansas, the majority of the committee propose to divide out 
the seats to all applicants. In this State the Democratic party were about as- 
sembling in their District Conventions, consisting of delegates from the several 
counties of the State, for the nomination of members of Congress, when their 
delegates return''d from Charleston. As in Texas, there was not time for the as- 
sembling of a Stale Convention. In these District Conventions, delegates were 
selected to represent the party at Baltimore. A call was however issued in a 
Memphis paper, without any signature whatever, calling upon the people of the 
Northern District to assemble in mass meeting at Madison, to elect delegates to 
Baltimore. 

Some four or five hundred men from ten to twelve counties thus assembled and 
appointed three delegates to Baltimore. The majority of the coiumittee pro- 
pose to allow these men to vote in the Convention. There are twenty-seven 
counties and twenty-five thousand voters in the district. Col. Hindman, a dele- 
gate, elected by the District Convention, to Baltimore, was elected to Congress, 
in 1858, by eighteen thousand majority, and was unanimously renominated by 
the Convention which selected him as a delegate to Baltimore. These facts show 
the significance of the action of the District Convention in electing delegates to 
Baltimore as representing truly the sentiment of the Democratic party of the 
district, and they exhibit the utter insignificance of the anonymously called 
Convention, for it will be borne in mind that it was held at a central point, at 
the western terminus of the railroad from Memphis, and where several stage and 
wagon routes mei't. They were elected as delegates generally from the State to 
the National Convention, with the hope that they might get in without any defi- 
nite claim. 

In Massachusetts and Missouri, the contest is between principals now holding 
their seats and substitutes who held their places at Charleston. In each case 
the principal was detained at liome by sickness in his family. In each case the 
principal gave notice to his substitute that hei*hould take his seat at Baltimore. 
The majority of the committee liold that the principals, elect(;d as such Ijy the 
proper Conventions, are not entitled to their seats and luive reported according- 
ly. U'e hold that a substitute is appointed .simply to act in the absence of the 
principal, and that Iiis authority ceases whenever ilie principal makes his app'ar- 
ance and takes his seat. We emphatically declare that such has been the iuva- 



18$ 

riablo usa^o in all Conventions of the party, wlictbcr National or State, and 
that it is based on reason and the repressentutive prineipU'. 

AH which is respectfully submitted, 

IRA AC i. STKVRNS. Orejron. 

A. R. SPHKFJ. New Ji rsey. 

H. M. NORTH. Pcnnsvlvania. 

JNO. II. liKWLEY. Ihlaware. 

E. W. IIUHBARn. Virsjiiiia. 

R. R. BRIDGERS. North Carolina. 

VVM. H. CARROLL, Tennessee. 

GEO. II. MORROW, Kentucky. 

D. S. GREGORY, California. 

In the points of ditference between the majority and minority reports of the 
committee on Credentials, I concur in the conclnsions of the minority report in 
the cases of Georgia, Alabama, Missouri and Massachusetts. 

AARON V. HUGHES, New Hampshire. 

Mr. Stevens — It will be observed that the committee are nearly 
unanimous, and the two reports agree in the ca.se of Texas, Missouri 
and Delaware. I am requested to state that the delegate from Tennes- 
see dissents from a portion of the conclusion of the committee, but votes 
under instruction of his co-delegates; also that the gentleman from 
New Hampshire agrees with the report of the minority, in the case of 
Georgia, Alabama, Massachusetts and Missouri. 

Mr. W. S. Gittings of Maryland also made a report, which he sub- 
sequently withdrew. Mr. Krum took the floor, and after a few remarks 
yielded it to Mr. Stevens. He was appealed to, at this moment, to 
move the previous question on the report. The question then was 
whether he had yielded temporarily or entirely to Mr. Stevens, and 
whether he could resume the floor. There was a long contest on the 
point of order, ending by Mr. Stevens moving the previous question. 
He could well afford to do this, as his report was universally acknowl- 
edged to be a remarkably strong document, presenting the case of the 
seceders in the clearest possible light and with singular skill. It at 
once became evident that New York was shaky. Several of her dele- 
gates made appeals for an adjournment, that New York might have time 
for consultation While the Convention was struggling toward an ad- 
journment, Mr. Butler of Mass. announced that the tickets furnished 
delegates had been forged, and that crowds of intruders admitted by 
forged tickets were on the floor of the Convention. 

In order to accommodate New York, the committee took a recess until 
half-past four o'clock. The demand of New York for time to consider, 
was a surprise, as it was known that she had been in caucus on the 
very point regarding which she was undecided, and had concluded, by a 
small majority, to .sustain the majority report. At the hour to which 
the Convention took a recess, the theatre was crowded in every part 
except the seats of the New l^orkers, which were vacant. Mr. Ludlow 
presently appeared and apologized for New York, and asked more time. 

In a hopeless sort of way the Convention adjourned. The Douglas 
men were rather disheartened. They would have voted against an ad- 
journment, but it would have been useless. New York was profoundly 
anathematized for her dishonest and cowardly procrastination. The 
immediate impression was that the New Yorkers were at the last mo- 



ment proposinoj to slaughter Douglas. The streets were full of excited 
men, and the atmosphere electric with a personal war-spirit. Ju^t before 
the a(ijf)urnniont, Mr. Montgomery, mejnber of Congress from Penn- 
sylvania, miule a disturbance about tickets of admission to the hall, and 
Mr. Randall of Pa., questioning his statements, he spoke of Mr. Ran- 
dall in a very sneering way as "This poor old man." A sensation 
scene followed. After adjournment, a son of Mr. Randall wiiited for 
Mr. Montgomery on the street, and rushini; up, dealt him several severe 
blows in the face, causing the blood to flow profusely. Montgomery, 
a powerful man, recovering from the shock of the assault, knocked 
Randall, a slender little fellow, down. The crowd then separated them. 
There was inten.^e excitement throughout the evening. Rumors as to 
the action of the New York delegation were constantly circulated. 
About nine o'clock it became understood that New York had agreed to 
sustain the mnjority report. Her delegation had divided upon the sev- 
eral propositions of the report, and had sustained them all by a consider- 
able majority. This news greatly reassured the friends of Mr. Douglas, 
and they became exultant. They had been, however, gradually for a 
couple of days thinning out, and the outside pressure turning against 
them. However, tliey rallied as usual in Monument Square, and were 
more noisy and arrogant than ever. The Southerners also congregrated 
and, according to custom, cried " Yancey," " Yancey." The Plugs 
also turned out strong, and diversified the exercises by many times 
giving " Three cheers for Bell and Everett." 

These mass meetings at night did much to exasperate the pending con- 
troversy. They were held side by side, and the prevailing sentiment in 
each was hostility to the other. The friends of Douglas denounced 
the others as disorganizers, bolters, traitors, and disunionists. The 
Southerners called the Douglasites a sneaking species of Abolitionists. 
Douglas delegates from Pennsylvania declared that, if any of the dele- 
gation from that State, or any other Northern State, refused to confirm 
the nomination of Douglas, or joined the Seceders' Convention, they 
would not dare return to their families. At the steps in front of the 
residence of Reverdy Johnson, the true test of Democracy would ap- 
pear to be devotion to Douglas. At the balcony of the Gilniore House, 
the test seemed to be hostility to Douglas. It was the habit of hun- 
dreds of noisy fellows to appear every night in the square and cry 
"Yancey," Yancey," at the top of their voices for hours. Yancey on 
two occasions responded. He said he was neither for the Union 'per se, 
nor against it per se, but he was for the Constitution. He denounced 
the friends of Douglas as small men, with selfish aims — as corrupt and 
abolitionized. They were ostrich-like — their head was in the sand of 
squatter sovereignty, and they did not know their great, ugly, ragged 
abolition body was exposed. 

Mr. Hunter of Louisiana, in announcing the action of the committee 
on Credentials, said there were men on that connnittee who should not 
cross his threshold — and a lady of his family should not speak to them. 
They were men without honor or decency. The Douglas men had blowed 
and bragged about their honor, and in so doing they lied, and now 
they lied. They talked of carrying the cotton States. The Louisiana 



187 

delegation was reacly to enter into bonds to bet one million of dollars that 
Douglas could not carry one of those States. He dared Douglas men 
who had tulked of betting to face the music of that proposition. He 
spoke of Douglas and his followers as bankrupts in porket and 
princij)le, as profligates and impostors and cowards. The Douglas 
oratois were all the while proclaiming the greatness and honor of their 
candidate — and assuming that all opposition to him was treason to the 
party, and must be ranked as Southern disunionisin or Northern Aboli- 
tionism. On the outskirts of the mass meetings every evenit:g were to 
be seen scores of groups of men, crowding close and talking, imt loudly, 
but with deep emphasis, every group concentrating and intensifying the 
greater antagonism of the mass meetings. The Southerners would be 
claiming "all the rights of the slaveholding States as co-eijual States," 
and the Northerners by turns beseeching their opponents for a living 
chance for success, and threatening them with an Aboliiion President. 
The controversies would become personal. A Douglasite would sneer- 
ingly ask : "What office has old Buchanan given you-V" And the 
response would be: "What office has Douglas promised you?" 
31eanwhile personal difficulties were occurring at short intervals, and 
the cauldron boiled and bubbled more and more. There was the 
Hindman and Hooper difficulty, the Whiteley and Townsend difficulty, 
and the Montgomery and llandall difficulty, and fitty others of less 
note. 



FIFTH DAY 



B.A.LTIMORE, Friday, June 22d. 

Definite action was expected this morning, and there was an immense 
crowd in the circles of the theatre, while the floor, by the adoption of 
precautions against interlopers, was tolerably clear. 

The President stated that the Convention had, on the previous day, 
ordered "the main question to be now put." The majority and minor- 
ity reports from the committee on Credentials were now read. Mr. 
Gittings of Maryland withdrew the report which he had offered. Mr. 
Krum of Missouri, as chairman of the committee on Credentials, was 
allowed to close the debate upon it, and made a reply to Stevens's 
minority report. It was ineflfectual, however, entirely fjiiling to break 
the force of the document by the gentleman from Oregon. 

The Hon. Bedford Brown of North Carolina now attempted a speech. 
He said it would give him " infinite pleasure to pour oil upon the 
agitated waves" — when Mr. Gorman of Minnesota called him to order. 
Mr. Stevens of Oregon wished to utter a single sentence, but Stuart of 
Michigan objected, and insisted upon proceeding to business. 

The first question was upon the proposition of Mr. Stevens of Oregon, 
which was moved as a substitute for the report of the committee. Just 
here occurred an illustrative specimen of the style of ruling by Mr. 
Gushing. On the motion of Mr. Stevens, the chair said : 

The chair understands that motion to be equivalent to a motion to 



188 

strike out and insert, and although the chair feels that there may be 
some doubt as to what should be the construction of a case like this, of 
indeed what is the true construction of the universal rule that a motion 
to strike out and insert is indivisible, without going into the question 
whether that universal declar-itiou applies to that motion itself or what 
is behind the motion, the chair has on reflection come to tlie conclusion 
to rule that this motion to strike out and insert is indivisible, and there- 
fore unless overruled by the Convention, he will be prepared to pui the 
question to the Convention upon the series of resolution in block. 

Having come to that conclusion upon of courje a prima facie reflec- 
tion upon the subject, subject to being overruled, the chair had conceived 
that if the resolution oflfered by the gentleman from Oregon should be 
adopted on a motion to strike out and insert, then they would be divisi- 
ble, and the separate propositions contained in the report of the minority 
would be susceptible of being voted upon separately; or if the motion 
of substitution should be rejected, then upon the Convention being 
brought to a vote upon the resolutions presented by the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Kruin), those propositions would be separable. 

Mr. Cochrane of New York appealed from the decision of the chair 
and made a speech on the point, and then withdrew his appeal. There 
were now loud cries of " Question," "question." The vote was taken 
on the substitution of the minority for the majority report. At this 
moment the chair made a suggestion, that in the declaration of the vote 
" being of a momentous character in its party relations," involving 
much interest and emotion, there should not be any manifestations of 
approbation. The chair remarked : 

If the Convention will itself set that example of dignified decorum 
in the gravest of all possible questions in which any of us can be 
placed, it will be surely for the advantage of the Convention and of our 
common public interests. 

The vote was as follows : 

Ayp:s — Maine 2|-. New Hampshire k, Vermont I5, Massachusetts 
8, Connecticut 2i, New Jersey 4, Pennsylvania 17, Delaware 2, Mary- 
land 65, Virginia 14, North Carolina 9, Arkansas k, Missouri 5, Ten- 
nessee 10, Kentucky 10, Minnesota 1|, California 4, Oregon 3 — 100^. 

Navs — Maine 5^, New Hampshire 4^, Vermont 85, Massachusetts 
5, Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New York 35, New Jersey 3, 
Pennsylvani'i 10, Maryland 'Ik, Virginia 1, North Carolina 1, Arkan- 
sas ^, Missouri 4, Tennessee 1, Kentucky 2, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, 
Illinois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, Minnesota 2;| — 150. 

While the States were called on this vote, there was the most pro- 
found and solemn silence. The decisive vote of New York was given 
promptly, and caused a fluttering, as it was known to decide the result 
of the contest at that point. 

The resolutions of the regular report of the committee were now 
reported and read by the Secretary in their order. 

The vote was then taken on the first resolution admitting the regular 
delegation from Mississippi, and it was adopted by ayes 250, nays 2^. 
The nays were, Pennsylvania 2, Iowa ^. 



189 

Mr. Rynders of New York — Mississippi Viaving been admitted, I ask 
if she is not entitled now to vote V 

Mr. Cochrane of New York said that until the last branch of the 
resolutions had been disposed of the whole question liad not been put 
and determined. 

The vote was then taken on the second resolution, admitting the 
Louisiana contestants, and it was adopted by yeas 153, nays 1)8, as 
follows : 

Yeas — Maine 51, New Hampshire 4k, Vermont 3^^. Massachusetts 
5. Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New York 35, New Jersey 2|, 
Pennsylvania 10, Maryland 2h, Vn-ginia 1, North Carolina 2, Arkan- 
sas h, Missouri 4, Tennessee 2, Kentucky 2, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, 
Illinois 11, Michigan 6. Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, Minnesota 2| — 153. 

Nays — Maine, 2i, New Hampshire -J, Vermont ^. Massachusetts 8, 
Connecticut 2^, New Jersey 4^, Pennsylvania 17, Delaware 2. Mary- 
land 55, Virginia 13, North Carolina 8, Arkansas 5, Missouri 5, Ten- 
nessee 10, Kentucky 10, Minnesota 11, California 4, Oregon 3 — 98. 

There was no longer any doubt about the disruption of the Conven- 
tion. It was merely a question of time, and the time short. Some of 
the delegates seemed singularly pleased ; their good humor was admira- 
ble. Others took it hard, and pursed up their brows, twisted their 
mouths in the firmest possible attitude, and looked at once fierce and 
sad. Dean Richmond was the pivotal personage. There was not a 
minute but some one was whispering in his ear. Peter Cagger found 
something funny all the while, and laughed until his face was red as the 
heart of a beet. 

The vote having been declared in the Louisiana case, the third reso- 
lution was read as follows : 

Resolved, That R. W. Johnson, T. C. Hindman, J. V. Johnson. De Rosey Car- 
roll, J. Gould, F. W. Hoadley and John A. Jordan be admitted to seuts as dele- 
gates from tht! State of Arkansas, with power to cast kvo votes, and that Thomas 
H. Bradley, M. Hooper and D. C. Cross be also admitted to seats as delegates 
from the same State, with power to cast one vote ; and in case either portion of 
said delegates shall refuse or neglect to tal<e their said seats or to cast their said 
votes, the other portion of said delegates taking seats in this Convention shall 
be entitled to cast the entire three votes of said State. 

The question was then taken on the first part of the resolution, ad- 
mitting R. W. Johnson and five others of Arkansas, to seats in the 
Convention, with power to cast two votes, and it was adopted by yeas 
182, nays 69, as follows : 

Yeas— Maine 5^ New Hampshire 5, Vermont 5, Massachusetts 13, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 6, New York 35, New Jersey 7, Penn- 
sylvania 10, Delaware 2, Maryland 2^, North Carolina 1, Missouri 9, 
Tennessee 11^, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan (i, Wiscon- 
sin 5, Iowa 3^, Minnesota 4 — 182. 

Nays— Mame 2^, Pennsylvania 17, Maryland 51, Virginia 15, 
North Carolina 9, Tennessee 1^, Kentucky 12, Iowa 1^, California 4, 
Oregon 3—69. 

The vote was then taken on the second branch of the resolution, and 
resulted ayes 150, nays 100^, as follows : 



190 

Yeas — Maine 65, New Hampshire 5, Vermont 4^, Massacliu«etts 5, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 0^, New York 35, New Jersey '2k, Penn- 
sylvania 10, Maryland 2, Virginia 1, North Carolina 1, Missouri 4, 
Tennessee 2, Kentucky 2, Ohio 23, Indiana 12, Illinois 11, Michigan 
6, AVisconsin 5, Iowa 4, Minnesota 2^ — 150. 

Nays — IMaine 2k, Vermont ^, Massachusetts 8, Connecticut 2^, 
New Jersey i^, Pennsylvania 17, Delaware 2, Maryland 6, Virginia 
14, Nortii Carolina 9, Missouri 5, Tennessee 11, Kentucky 10, Min- 
nesota .i, California 4, Oregon 3 — 100^. 

Arkansas declined to vote. 

The remainder of the resolution v^'as adopted without a vote by 
States. 

The 4th resolution was read, which is as follows : 

Resolved, That Guy M. Bryan. F. R. Lubbock. F. S. Stockdale, E. Greer, H. R. 
Runnels. Tlios. P. Ochiltree, M. W. Covey, Wni. H. Parsons, R. Ward, J. F. 
Crosby, 11. Burrows and Van H. Manning are entitled to seats as delegates from 
Texas. 

The resolution was agreed to — yeas 250, nays 2|. 
The 5th resolution was read as follows : 

Resolved, Tliat James A. Bayard and Wm. G. Whiteley are entitled to seats 
from the conuty of New Castle, Del. 

It was adopted. 

The 6th resolution was then read, as follows : 

Resolved, That R, L. Chaffee, who was duly admitted at Charleston as a dele- 
gate from the Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts, is still entitled to 
said seat in this Convention, and that Benjamin F. Hallett, who has assumed 
said seat, is not entitled thereto. 

The question being taken upon this resolution by States, it resulted 
— yeas 138, nays 112^ — as follows: 

Ykas — Maine bk, New Hampshire 2^, Vermont 3, Massachusetts 3, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New York 35, New Jersey 1^, Penn- 
sylvania 0^, IMaryland 21, Missouri 4, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 
11, Mtchigan 6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 3^, Minnesota 21 — 138. 

Nays — Maine 25, New Haiupshire 23, Vermont 2, Massachusetts 
8^, Connecticut 2^, New Jersey 4^, Pennsylvania 171, Delaware 2, 
Maryland 5^, Virginia 15, North Carolina 10, Arkansas 1, Missouri 
5, Tennessee 12, Kentucky 12, Iowa 1-^, Minnesota 1^, California 4, 
Oregon 3— 112^. 

The resolution was accordingly adopted. 

Mr. Stuart of Michigan — I move to reconsider the vote just taken, 
and to lay that motion upon the table. 

The Presiilent — The chair will receive and enter the motion, to be 
disposed of at a future time. 

Mr. Stuart — [ make the saine motions upon each of the other votes 
that have preceded, including the vote upon the minority report, in or- 
der that the motions may be entered as distinct motions. 

The Piesideut — The chair receives the motions to reconsider and to 



191 

lay on the table, and the Secretary will enter thein, and note the propo- 
sitions to which thoy !ii»ply- 

The 7th resolution was then read, as follows : 

7. Reaolved, That John O'Fallon, Jr., who was duly iHlmitti d at Charleston as 
a delegate! from the Eighth Congressional Dislricl of Missouri, is still entitled 
to said seat in this Convention ; and that Jolin IJ. Clardy, who has absumed 
said scat, is not entitled thereto. 

The question being then taken by States upon the resolution, it re- 
sulted — yeas ISSI, nays 112 — as follows: 

Ykas — Maine 65, New Hampshire 21, Vermont 3, Massachusetts 5, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 85, New York 35, New Jersey H. Penn- 
sylvania 10, jMaryland 2^, Arkansas h, Missouri U, Ohio 23, Indiana 
13. Illinois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 3^, Minnesota 2^ — 
1381. 

Nays — Maine 11, New Hampshire 2^, Vermont 2, Massachusetts 8, 
Connectieut 2.2, New Jersey 5|, Pennsylvania 17, Dehiware 2, Mary- 
land b\, Virginia 15, North Carolina 10, Arkansas H, Missouri 6, 
Tennessee 12, Kentucky 12, Iowa \\, Minnesota 1^, California 4, Or- 
egon 3 — 112. 

The resolution was accordingly adopted. 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania moved that the vote just taken be re- 
considered, and that the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table. 

The motion was received and ordered to be entered upon the journal. 

The 8th resolution was then read, as follows : 

8. Befolved, That R. A. Barker, D. C. Humphrey. John Forsyth, Wm. Garrett, 
J. J. Seivels, S. C. Posey. L. E. Parsons, Joseph C. Bradley. Thomas B. Cooper, 
James Williams, 0. H. Bynum, Samuel W. Wheatley. L. V. B. Martin, John W. 
Warrack, W. R. R. Wyatt, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas M Mathews and Nor- 
ment McLeod, are entitled to seats in this Couventioa as delegates from the 
State of Alabama. 

The question being then taken by States upon this resolution, it re- 
sulted — yeas 148^, nays lOli — as follows: 

Yeas — Maine fti, New Hampshire 2i, Vermont 4^, Massachusetts 5, 
Rhole Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New 'York 35, New Jersey 3, Penn- 
sylvania 10, Maryland 2, Virginia i, North Carolina U, Arkansas |, 
Missouri 4, Tennesssee 2, Kentucky U, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 
11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, "Minnesota 2^ — HB^. 

Nays — Maine 2^, New Hampshire 2, Vermont ^, Massachusetts 8, 
Connecticut 2^, New Jersey 4, Pennsylvania 17, Delaware 2, Mary- 
land 6, Virgirna 14i, North Carolina 8^, Arkansas i, 3Ii>souri 5, 
Tennessee 10, Kentucky 10^, Minnesota 'li, California 4, Oregon 8 

— lOU. 

New Hampshire ^ declined voting. 

The resolution was ace-ordingly adopted. 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania moved to reconsider the vote just taken, 
and that that motion be laid upon the table. 

The motion was received and ordered to be entered upon the journal. 

The 9th and last resolution of the series was then read, as follows: 

9. Resolved, That the delegation from the State of Georgia, of which H. L. 



192 

Benning is eliairman, be admitted to the Convention, with power to cast one- 
bait' of the vote of said Slate ; and that the delegation from said State, of which 
Col. Gardner is chairman, be also admitted to the Convention, with power to 
cast our'-lialf of the vote of said State, and if either of said delegations refuse 
or neglect to cast the vote as above indicated, that in snch case the delegates 
present in the Convention be authorized to cast the full vote of said State. 

There was a contest as to whether this resolution was divisible. The 
chair ruled that it was divisible. 

Mr. Atiiins of Tennessee — I trust the Convention will proceed to 
consummate its work. [Applause.] We have nearly completed this 
work, and I hope that no gentleman opposed to these resolutions will 
interpose any thing to delay the work of this Convention. [Applause 
and hisses.] The man that hisses is a viper and a coward. [Applause.] 

Mr. Seward of Georgia attempted to obtain the floor, and presented a let- 
ter which he wished read. Objections were made and it was not read. 

[It was understood that the letter was from Col. Gardner, the chair- 
man of the contesting delegation from the State of Georgia, notifying 
the Convention that they withdrew from all further contest.] 

Mr. Jones of Tennessee — At the request of several gentlemen I 
withdraw my call for a division of the question. 

The President stated the question to be upon agreeing to the entire 
resolution, as originally reported by the Secretary to the Convention. 

The question being then taken by States upon the resolution, it was 
rejected — yeas lOH-^, nays 145 — as follows : 

Yeas — Maine 4, New Hampshire 2, Vermont 85, Massachusetts 5, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3i, New Jersey 2, Pennsylvania 9^, 
Maryland 2, Virginia 1, North Carolina 1, Arkansas i, Missouri 4, 
Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan 6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, 
Minnesota 2^ — 106i-. 

Nays — Maine 4, New Hampshire 3, Vermont li, Massachusetts 8, 
Connecticut 8|, New York 35, New Jersey 5, Pennsylvania 17^, Del- 
aware 2, Maryland 6, Virginia 14, North Carolina 9, Arkansas ^, Mis- 
souri 5, Tennessee 12, Kentucky II5, Minnesota 1-|, California 4, 
Oregon 3 — 145. 

During all this voting the Convention wa.s strangely silent. " Not a 
drum was heard, nor a funeral note." There was not a rattle of ap- 
plause nor a hiss for an hour and a half. 

The vote of New York — '' thirty-five no," in the case of Georgia, 
caused a buzz of astonishment. 

Mr. Church of New York said his delegation had no opportunity to 
vote on the admission of delegates from Georgia, as they deemed right, 
and they now proposed to make a motion that the delegates from Geor- 
gia, of which Mr. H. L. Benning is chairman, be admitted to seats in 
the Convention. 

Mr. Hallett of Massachusetts (author of the Cincinnati Platform) 
got the floor and made a speech, though Stuart of Michigan raised 
points of order on him. The parliamentary contest was highly interest- 
ing. Mr. Hallett had, however, voted with the majority on the ninth 
proposition, and had moved to reconsider. In the midst of the confu- 
sion, the main question wss put on the resolution admitting the delega- 



193 

t'on, of which Mr. Benning of Georgia was chairman, to seats, and it 
was adopted. 

Mr. Hallett was again recognized on the floor, and made his speech, 
explaining the circumstances of the contest for his seat. He entered 
into the general subject, saying : 

And you are now upon the eve of what ? After having severed your 
Convention from eight of the Southern States, you are now upon the 
very verge — are about to consummate that blow — which shall send out 
the other six or seven States, and then what is this Convention V Nay, 
what is the great Democratic party of this Union ? Nay, in God's 
name, what is the Union itself? 

He appealed to New York to come forward and save the country. 
He said : 

When the great question is, shall you have any Union to which we can 
give a President, and shall you have any Democratic party to elect a 
President, why not then come forward, young men, and sustain this 
measure of reconciliation and sustain the Union ? Let it not be broken 
up. I say to you this is no light matter. I say to you the impending 
crisis is only the more awful because it is silent. It is hushed, it is 
true, but it is here all around me. You know, sir, every honorable man 
knows, that if the resolutions of that committee which I am now desir- 
ing to be reconsidered prevail in this Convention, that you have a dis- 
severed Convention. The States that are standing knocking at your 
doors will never come in and pass under the yoke. Southern chivalry 
will prevent that, [xipplause.] The States that are here now will ad- 
here to the Democratic Union, or they will adhere to their own South. 
They will never stay here to the disgrace of their brother States outside. 
[Applause.] 

And then what will you do ? Make a nomination V — a nomination 
which, tendered to any man, is but the ruin of that man, and the ruin 
of that party which desires it. I stand here to-day a personal friend 
of the man whose friends are about to sacrifice him, as I view it. 
[Laughter and applause.] Ah, I would rather see him elevated to the 
Presidency than any other man in this Union, if it could be done with- 
out the destruction of this party — without the dissolution of this Con- 
vention. But no — men here say, let us have this man or none; we 
will have no other but him. Where is the discriminating justice which 
shall impel you to the adjustment of this great question ? 

Mr. Hallett moved that the Convention take a recess until five o'clock. 

Mr. Stuart of Michigan moved to lay the motions to reconsider upon 
the table. This was a movement to consummate the action of the Con- 
vention on the report from the committee on Credentials. 

Mr. Russell, chairman of the Virginia delegation — Mr. President, I 
wish, before the Couvention adjourns, to make an announcement in be- 
half of the Virginia delegation. I wish to do it at the proper time. 
[Sensation.] 

This was the announcement of Virginia that she was about to lead 
the column of the new secession. 

A motion, that when the Convention adjourn it be to meet at five- 

13 



194 

o'clock in the aftornooo, was put, the vote taken by States, and lost — - 
yeas S2i, nays 168. 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania called up the several motions to recon- 
sider, with the accomf)an)ing motions to lay on the table. 

The President stated the first question to be upon layino; upon the 
table the motion to reconsider the vote by which the Convention refused 
to substitute the resolutions reported by the minority of the committee 
on Credentials for those reported by the majority of said committee. 

Upon this question the State of Tennessee demanded a vote by States, 
which was ordered. 

The question being then taken by States, the motion to lay on the 
table was not agreed to — yeas 1131, nays 138^ — as follows : 

Yeas — Maine 5^, New Hampshire 3, Vermont 4|-, Massachusetts 5, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New Jersey 3|, Pennsylvania 10, 
Maryland 2, North Carolina 1, Arkansas ^, Missouri 4^, Kentucky 2, 
Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan G, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, 
Minnesota 2i — 113^. 

Nays — Maine 2i, New Ilampshire 2, Vermont i, Massachusetts 8, 
Connecticut 2^^, New York 35, New Jersey 3i, Pennsylvania 17, Del- 
aware 2. Maryland 6, Virginia 15, North Canjlina 9, Arkansas ^, Mis- 
souri 4^, Tennessee 12, Kentucky 10, Minnesota 1^, California 4, 
Oregon 3 — 138^. 

And so at the last moment New York flinched from the consumma- 
tion of the work preparatory to the division of the Convention. Her 
vote, cast in the negative on this ballot, left the question still open, that 
is, the action taken by the Convention might be reconsidered. There 
was an intense sensation in the Convention, and a recess until seven 
o'clock in the evening was immediately taken. 

During this recess, the interest of the thousands of politicians con- 
centrated in Baltimore, and indeed of the whole country within 
reach of the telegraph, was wrought up to the highest pich. The 
New York delegation was denounced on every side as composed of 
tricksters and barijainers. The fiiends of Douglas lost faith in them, 
and emulated the Southerners in showering epithets upon them. 

A rumor of a despatch f om Djuglas to Dean Richmond, virtually 
withdrawing his name, leaked out. Its existence was fiercely denied 
by the stiaight Douglas men. Richardson was very emphatic in say- 
ing there was not one word of truth in the report ; and many disbe- 
lieved it, because they belie vexl Richardson to be the only medium 
through which Douglas would communicate with the Convention. 
Frienils of Richardson said it would be a personal insult to him, if 
Doug'as should despatch fo Dean Richmond. There was a despatch, 
however, as afterward appeared. It was as follows : 

W.s riNOTOx J mu 22d— 9J A. M. 
To Dean RrcuMONi). Chairman of Delecration. lialtiniore : 

The steadi uss willi which N w York has smtaiiied in; will justify a word of 
couasel. The f-affty of the cause is the paramount duty of every Democrat. 
The unity of tb'p.irly and the mainteuance of its [)riiic!iiles inviolate are more 
important than the election or defeat of any individual. II my eiiemies are 
dctermimd to divide and destroy the Democratic parly, and. jjeilinps, the coun- 
try, rallier t'aau see me elected, aud if the uaity of the party caa be preserved, 



195 

and its a,«condancy porpetiiatod by drnppinp: m)' name arul unitinp; npnn porno 
othiT r.'liiilili! Non-iiitcrvoriMoii and Uiiion-loviiij;- Democrat. I hcscicli yon. in 
ConsiiltLitioii with onr friends, to jjiirsiKi that course which will sav(? th- party 
and the conntry, without regard to my individnal iiitcrests. I mean all this let- 
ter implies. Consult freely and act boldly for the right. 

(Signed) S. A. DOUOLAP. 

It would appear that this was sent to Richmond, because a letter con- 
taining similar sugizestions, had been forwarded to Riehiird>on, who kept 
it in his pocket. Douglas finding that Richnrd.-on would not coimnu- 
nicate his wish to withdraw to the Convention, telegraphed to Ilichniond, 
who suppressed the despatch, as Richardson had suppressed the letter. 

It was a-^serted in Baltimore, and believed in political circles, that 
during this recess New York offered to reconsider her vote on the Lou- 
isiana case, and make up the Convention out of the original materials, 
with the exception of the Alabama delegation. They could not agree 
to admit Yancey & Co. But the seceders and their friends would not 
hear to any such proposition. They scorned all compromise, assuming 
that their rights were undoubted and their title clear; they would not 
bargain away any portion whatever of their claims. 

EVENING SESSION. 

The long looked-for *' Crisis " a hundred times postponed, arrived at 
last. The Convention was called to order a few minutes after t:even 
o'clock. 

The President stated the pending question to be upon reconsidering 
the vote by which the Convention refused to substitute the resolutions 
submitted upon the part of the minority of the committee on Creden- 
tials in place of the resolutions submitted by the majority of said com- 
mittee. 

The question being taken by States, the motion to reconsider was not 
agreed to — yeas 113, nays 139 — as follows: 

Yeas — Maine 2^, New Hampsliire 2, Vermont 1, Massachusetts 8, 
Connecticut 2^, New Jersey 4^, Pennsylvania 17, Delaware 2, Mary- 
land 6. Virginia 15, North Carolina 9, Arkansas i, Missouri 4^, Ten- 
nessee 10, Kentucky 10, Minnesota H, California 4, Oregon 3 — 113. 

Nays — Maine 5|, New Hampshire 3. VermonJ. 4, Massachusetts 5, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New Yoik 35, New Jersey 2i, Penn- 
sylvania 10, Maryland 2, North Carolina 1, Arkansas i, Missouri 4^, 
Tennessee 2, Kentucky 2. Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan 
6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, Minnesota 2^, — 139. 

New York's "Thirty five votes no" given in the quick sharp tones 
of Peter Cagger, settled this as all other con'esfed questions. The 
motions to reconsider the votes by which the resolutions of the majority 
report had been adopted, and to lay those motions on the table, were 
now in order. Upon those motions being carried the action in each 
case was final and irrevocable. 

The motion to lay on the table the morion to reconsider the vote by 
which the Convention adopted the re>olution of the inaj rity report of 
the committee, on the State of Mississippi, was carried without a divis- 
ion. 



196 

The next question was upon the motion to lay upon the table the 
motion to reconsider the vote by which the Convention adopted the 
majority resolution in relation to delegates from Louisiana. 

The question being taken by States, the motion to lay on the table 
was agreed to — yeas 150^, nays 99 — as follows: 

Yeas — Maine 5i, New Hampshire 4^-, Vermont 4^, Massachusetts 5, 
Rhode Island 4, Connecticut 3^, New York 35, New Jersey 2^, Penn- 
sylvania 10, Maryland 2, North Carolina 1, Arkansas i, Missouri 4, 
Tennessee 2, Kentucky 2, Ohio 23, Indiana 13, Illinois 11, Michigan 
6, Wisconsin 5, Iowa 4, Minnesota 2i — 1501. 

Nays — Maine 2i, New Hampshire 1^-, Vermont i, Massachusetts 8, 
Connecticut 2i, New Jersey 4i, Pennsylvania 17, Delaware 2, Mary- 
land 6, Virginia 15, North Carolina 8^, Arkansas Ih Missouri 4i, 
Tennessee 10, Kentucky 10, Minnesota U, California 4, Oregon 3 — 
99. 

The next question was upon laying upon the table the motion to re- 
consider the vote by which the Convention adopted the majority resolu- 
tion in relation to delegates from Arkansas. 

The question being taken, the motion was agreed to. 

The next question was upon same motion in relation to Texas. 

The question being taken, the motion to reconsider was laid upon 
the table. 

The next question was upon the same motion in relation to Delaware, 
and the motion to lay upon the table was agreed to. 

The same with regard to the resolution in relation to Massachusetts, 
and the resolution in relation to Missouri. 

The next question was upon the motion to lay upon the table the 
motion to reconsider the vote upon the resolution in relation to Ala- 
bama — the motion was agreed to. 

The same with regard to the vote of the Convention, rejecting the 
resolution of the majority in relation to Georgia. 

The same with regard to the resolution of Mr. Church of New York, 
admitting original delegation from Georgia. 

Mr Cessna of Pennsylvania — I now offer the following resolution : 

Resolved, That this Convention do now proceed to nominate candidates for 
President and Vice-President of the United States, 

And on that resolution I call the previous question. 

Mr. Stansbury of Maryland moved to adjourn sine die. 

Mr. McKibben of Pennsylvania seconded the motion. New York 
demanded a vote by States. The motion was withdrawn. 

Mr. Russell of Virginia had been for some time standing, very pale, 
nervous and solemn, in his chair, and now obtained the ear of the chair 
and the Convention, and desired to make an " announcement,'' Mr. 
Gorman of Minnesota objected to the gentleman's proceeding, and 
emphatically refused to withdraw his objection. The President desired 
to hear what proposition it was that the gentleman from Virginia had 
to make. Mr. Ku.ssell at length said : 

I understand that the action of this Convention upon the various 
questions arising out of the reports from the committee on Credentials, 



197 

has become final, complete and irrevocable. And it has become my 
duty now, by direction of a lar^c; majority of the delejration from Vir- 
ginia, respectfully to inform this body tliat it is inconsistent with their 
convictions of duty to participate longer in its deliberations. 

There was a mingled din of applause and hisses, cries of order, of a 
highly sen.«ational character. The greater tumult, so far as the galleries 
were concerned, seemed to be that of approbation — the Douglas out- 
side pressure having for some days subsided rapidly. The chair ordered 
the galleries cleared. He did not, however, attempt to enforce the or- 
der. The disorder lasted some minutes. 

Mr. Russell remained standing, and when his voice could be heard, 
said that all of the delegates to whom tickets of admission had been is- 
sued, who were regarded as National Democrats by the Democracy of 
Virginia, would refuse to enter the hall. The reasons which impelled 
the representatives of the State of Virginia to leave the Convention, 
would he rendered to the Democracy of Virginia, and to them alone. 
The V^irginians, with a few exceptions, when Mr. Russell ceased speak- 
ing, rose in a body, and passing into the aisles, proceeded to leave the 
theater, shaking hands and bidding personal friends good by, as they 
retired. 

Mr. Moffatt, one of those who remained, commenced a speech, but 
gave way to Mr. Lander of North Carolina, who announced that eight 
out of the ten votes of that State retired. He said : 

The rights of sovereign States and of gentlemen of the South, have 
been denied by a majority of this body. We cannot act, as we con- 
ceive, in view of this wrong. 

Mr. Ewing of Tennessee announced that ten out of the twelve votes 
of that State" retired to consult. He spoke of the disposition of the 
Tennessee delegation to harmonize. " They were the first, when the 
majority platform was not adopted, to seek for some proposition for 
compromise — something that would enable us to harmonize. They have 
a candidate that was dear to them. They cast away his proi^pect for 
the sake of harmony. They have yielded all that they can." 

Col. Caldwell, chairman of the Kentucky delegation, asked leave to 
retire to consult. Mr. Stuart of Michigan ohjected, for the reason that 
business could not be transacted while a State was absent by permis- 
sion of the Convention. It being understood that the delegation 
wished to retire but for a few minutes, Mr. Stuart withdrew his ob- 
jection. 

Mr. McKibben — Mr. President, I want to understand if the gentle- 
man from Michigan is the manager of the theatre '? [Laughter.] 

[The point of this inquiry was the fact that the Douglas men fol- 
lowed implicitly the directions and suggestions of Mr. Stuart, who was 
so sharp a parliamentarian and adroit manager, that even the chairman 
(Cushing) was believed to regard him with something of dread. It is 
certain that 3Ir. Cushing always gave attention to Mr. Stuart, and 
usually yielded to him on contested points. Mr. Stuart's points of or- 
der were almost always admirably taken.] 

Mr. Johnson of Maryland made a speech withdrawing half the dele- 
gation from that State. He said : 



198 

We have made all sacri6ces for the grand old Democratic party, 
wluse mission it. has been to preserve the Constitution and to care for 
the Kepulilic for more than sixty years, until it now seems as if you 
were going to substitute a man in the place of principle. [Calls to or- 
der.] I desire to be respectful. I desire to say that the action of the 
majnrity of the late Convention — a majority created by the operation of 
a technical unit rule imposed upon the Convention, contrary to Demo- 
cratic precedent and usage — States have been disfranchised and dis- 
tricts deprived of their rights, until, in our opinion, it is no longer con- 
sistent with our honor or our rights, or the rights of our constituents, to 
remain here. 

Mr. Glass of Virginia withdrew himself from the Convention. 

Mr. Waterson of Tennessee, one of the delegates from that State 
who had declined to secede, said there were some gallant spirits from 
the land of Jai;kson who would remain. He had no fears that the Con- 
vention would refuse to indorse the Cincinnati Platform. 

Mr. Jones of Tennessee hoped that the delegates of that State who 
had retired to consult, would tind their way back into the Convention. 
Mr. Jones said he bad been a Democrat ever since he first drew milk 
from his mother's breast. 

JMr. Smith of California said : 

While I cannot say with the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Jones) 
that my Di-mucracy dates back to that time of which I have no recollec- 
tion, yet I can say that it is as unspotted as the vault of heaven. Cal- 
ifornia is here with melancholy faces. [Laughter.] California is here 
with a lacerated heart, bleeding and weeping over the downfall and de- 
struction of the Democratic party. [Applause and laughter.] Yes, 
sir, the destruction of the Democratic party, consummated by assassins 
now grinning upon this floor. [Loud cries of "Order," "order," "Put 
him out," and great confusion.] 

Mr. Smith, "in no spirit of i)raggadocla," said that "if any one 
took exceptions, he knew his remedy." He proceeded : 

This Convention has properly been held in a theatre, and upon that 
stage a play has been enacted this evening that will prove a tragedy of 
which the Demo-ratic party will be the victim. [Mingled hisses and 
applause.] I then do state that there have been wrongs perpetrated 
upon the Democracy of that deep and damning character that it does 
not permit California longer to participate in the proceedings of this 
irregular organization. [Laughter.] Irregular! and why irregular '? 
Irregular because there has not been a single afBrniative proposition 
carried through this body that has not been done through a resolution 
that cannot be characterized by any other term than that used by a del- 
egate from Illinois — a trick. [Loud cries of "Order," "order," and great 
confusion.] 

Mr. Merrick of Illinois demanded the name of the delegate referred 
to from that State, and what he said. After a protracted scene of con- 
fusion, Mr. Smith remarked that the Convention acted very much like 
a child taking medicine. He said : 

I will repeat, without the fear of the slightest contradiction, that the 
resolution passed at Charleston, known as the " Cessna resolution," by 



199 

virtue of wliicli the minority of tliis Convention have been ennhled to 
cast tho majority vote, and thus heating down or carryin*^ tlirongh and 
enactini>; every measure thiit has been so repul.-ive to the deh'p;iifes who 
have withdrawn — I say that that resolution was acknowledged in sub- 
stance to me to he a delil)i'rate, willful, premeditated trick. 

This was received with roars of disorder. There was wild excite- 
ment, and a tempest of calls to order. Mr. Smith yelled that he would 
say what he had to say, and the Convention should hear him. Mr. 
Merrick of Illinois was upon a chair, crying, " Name the delegate from 
lUinoi.s " — " tell us what he said." Tho chair declared Smith out of 
order. His time under the fifteen minute rule had expired. He in- 
sisted that, the time taken up in interruptions should not come out of his 
time. He was as hard to choke off as a bull-dog, but all the Douglas 
men in the house, aided by the President, succeeded in getting him 
down, when he retired at the head of the Oregon delegation. 

Mr. Stevens of Oregon rose. He had "a most melancholy duty to 
perform." He had not allowed his feelings to get the belter of his 
judgment. He concluded by saying : 

We did hope, when this Convention reassembled at Baltimore, 
that it would bring together the Democratic party in every sovereign 
State. 

We find ourselves grievou.ely mistaken. By your action to-day, 
gentlemen as much entitled to seats as ourselves, in our opinion, are 
excluded from the floor. We do not mean to impugn the motives of 
others, but are conscious that a most grievous wrong and insult has been 
given to sovereign States. These States are the weak parties in this 
contest, and we have resolved to stand by them and assert their rights. 
I now announce that the delegation from Oregon have come to the con- 
clusion to withdraw from the deliberations and take no further part in 
them. 

Mr. Moffat of Virginia, who had sought the floor for some time, now 
obtained it. He made an eloquent speech, saying of the representa- 
tives of Virginia — " We were thirty when we came in — now we are but 
five." He said he would stand by that Convention through weal and 
through woe. He said : 

I am an out-and-out pro-slavery man. I believe in the institution all 
the time. I believe it is right morally, socially and politically. I have 
fought in my State for the extension of pro-slavery views. lama 
Southern man, and interested with the people of Virginia in having pro- 
tection for our property. I ask you who are true to us in the North, 
not to desert us, but to stand by and defend us henceforth as you have 
done in times past [voices, "We'll do it,"], and so help me God, I 
will defend you as long as I have confidence in you. [Loud applause, 
and cries of "Good," " good."] I will never fight my friends. 

In the name of common sense, have not we enough of higher law, 
revolutionary, abolition scoundrels in the North to fight, without fighting 
our friends V [Applause.] Must we fight the men who stood on the 
platform at Cincinnati in 1856, and kick them off and break up the 
Democratic party ? 

Mr. Davis of Virginia made a speech. He was a Henry A. Wise 



200 

man. He said he eoulrl not see how Judgje Douglas could be the 
nominee of the Convention. He came to Baltimore to try to prevent it, 
at any rate. He meant to fight inside the Domocratio party. He be- 
lieved Gov. Wise, if nominated, could carry Virginia by 30,000 votes. 
He would be for Wise first, last, and all the time, if he were permitted 
to present his name, but he was not so authorized. 

Here a motion was made to adjourn and a vote by States called on it. 
Ayes 18d— nays 2101 . 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania — I now ask the chair to ascertain from 
the Convention whether or not there is a second to my demand for the 
previous question upon the resolution to proceed to ballot for candidates 
for the Presidency and Vice Presidency. 

Mr. Clark of Missouri asked permission for a portion of the delegation 
of that State to retire and consult. He also a.^ked for an adjournment. 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania was willing to adjourn when the previ- 
ous question on bis motion should be seconded and the main question 
ordered to be now put. 

After some consultation, it was concluded that the demand for the 
previous question had been seconded. This was a mistake, but it made 
no difference as it was received as authority by common consent. 

Mr. Craig of Missouri said he was not willing to follow his distin- 
guished friend Clark out of a Democratic Convention. Whereupon Mr. 
Clark announced that his purpose was fixed to remain in the Convention. 

Senator Saulsbury of Delaware was instructed by the delegation of 
that State to announce that they desire to be excused from voting on any 
further ballots or votes, unless circumstances should alter this determi- 
nation. He said : It is our desire to be left free to act or not act, our 
desire being to leave the question open for the consideration of our con- 
stituents after we return home. 

]Mr. Gaulden of Georgia made his Charleston slave-trade and slave- 
breeding speech again. He announced himself a slave breeder. He 
had not joined his fortunes to either the house of York or the house of 
Lancaster. He said : 

I have felt that the experiment of man for self-government was about 
to prove a failure here, and that the genius of liberty was about 
shrieking to leave the world. 

I am an advocate for maintaining the integrity of the National Demo- 
cratic party ; I belong to the extreme South ; I am a pro-slavery man in 
every sense of the word, aye, and an African slave-trade man. [Ap- 
plause and laughter.] This institution of slavery, as I have said else- 
where, has done more to advance the prosperity and intelligence of the 
white race, and of the human race, than all else together. I believe it 
to be founded upon the law of nature and upon the law of God ; I be- 
lieve it to be a blessing to all races. I believe that liberty would not 
truly exist in this Western World except by maintaining the integrity 
of the oreat National Democratic party. [Applause.] 

He spoke of the " slave-breeding and slave-trading State of Virginia," 
when a delegate from Vir!);inia called him to order fur cast iig an iinpu- 
tatidu u[(')ii the State of Virginia. Gaulden thought he had been pay- 
ing Virginia a high couipliment. He said: 



201 

Well, I will say the slave-breeding State of Georgia, then. I j^l^i^y 
in beino- a slave-breeder myself. [Loud laughter.] I will face the 
music myself, and I have got as many negroes as any man from the State 
of Virginia. And as I invited the gentlemen of this Convention at 
Charleston to visit ray plantation, I will say again that if they will come 
to see me, I will show them as fine a lot of negroes, and the pure Afri- 
an, too, as they can find any where. And I will show them as hand- 
some a set of little children there as can be seen [laughter], and any 
quantity of them, too. [Renewed laughter.] And I wish that Vir- 
ginia may be as good a slave-trading and slave-breeding State as 
Georgia ; and in saying that, I do not mean to be disrespectful to Vir- 
ginia, but I do not mean to dodge the question at all. 

I think I shall live to see the day when the doctrines which I advo- 
cate to-nio-ht will be the doctrines of Massachusetts and of the North, 
for 

" Truth crushed to earth will rise again, 

The eternal years of Gorl are hers ; 
While error, wounded, writhes in pain 

And dies amid her worshipers." 

I say I go for non-intervention in the broadest sense of the term. 

Mr. Gaulden's speech was generally laughed at, but he was in sober 
and resolute earnest. He is quite a Yankee in appearance, tall, straight, 
sharp-nosed and keen-eyed, and vigorous as a black-snake. Nothing 
delights him more than to tell of the swarms of young niggers on his 
plantation. 

Mr. Ewing of Tennessee here announced : Mr. President, the ma- 
jority of the delegation from Tennesssee, who asked the indulgence of 
this Convention to retire for consultation, have done so, and as the 
result of their deliberations I have to announce that nineteen out of 
twenty-four representatives have decided to retire, and five to remain. 

Mr. Steele of North Carolina had not seen cause for going out of the 
Convention. 

Mr. Claiborne of Missouri made a speech. He said : 

To-day, for the first time in the history of Democracy, I have seen 
the mother of States starting madly from a National Convention. I 
am a Southern man, born and raised beneath the sunny sky of the South. 
Not a drop of blood in my veins ever flowed in veins north of Mason's 
and Dixon's line. My ancestors for 300 years sleep beneath the turf 
that shelters the bones of Washington, and I thank God that they rest 
in the graves of honest slaveholders. [Applause.] 

He had once in his life bolted from a Convention, and it came very 
near proving his political death. He found that he had fallen about 
seventeen hundred feet in the estimation of his constituents when he re- 
turned home, and he predicted that a similar fate awaited all who should 
secede from this National Convention. 

He spoke in the most enthusiastic manner of Mr. Douglas. He 
talked of the Scottish Chieftain, Lord James of Douglas, carrying to 
the man of Palestine the heart of Bruce encased in a golden box,^ throw- 
ing -it into the ranks of the enemy and fighting his way to it. Even so 
Stephen A. Douglas, with the Constitution, would go into the ranks of 
the enemy. He said : Sir, if there is any thing the Southern Democracy 



202 

dit^like, it is the fossil remains of Wliiggery and Know-Nnthingism 
[laughter] ; and I tell you when it is known to the people of the South 
that it is the design of the Seceders to defeat the old time-honored 
Detnocracy in tliis way, they will dodge them as they dodge lightning. 
[Laughter.] He promised twenty-five thousand majority for Douglas 
in Missouri. 

After some remarks by Mr. Clark of Missouri, who wished to con- 
sult, there were cries of question ; and the motion, " Shall the main ques- 
tion be now put," to go into a nomination of candidates for President 
and Vice-President, was carried. 

The President — The motion has been carried. Will the Convention 
now vote upon the main question ? 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania — I move an adjournment. 

Cries of " No, no." 

Mr. Clarke — I will claim the right to make the statement I proposed 
in the morning. 

The President — A motion to adjourn has been made. All who are 
in favor of it will vote aye, etc. 

The vote being taken viva voce, the President decided that the ques- 
tion had been determined in the affirmative, whereupon the Convention, 
at 10:30 P. M., adjourned. 



SIXTH DAY. 



Baltimore, June 23d. 
We had from this time forth a divided Convention — one sitting in 
the theatre, and one in the Maryland Institute. Both claimed regulari- 
ty, and to be the National Democratic Convention. The controversy 
was animated as that respecting Townsend's Sarsaparilla. Perhaps the 
record will show the facts. There seemed to be a lull in the excitement 
after adjournment on the fifth day. The deed was done. The disrup- 
tion of the Convention was a fixed fact. The case was beyond the 
power of medicine or surgery. Consequently there was a comparative 
calm. 

There was the usual double-headed mass meeting in Monument 
Square, but its spirit had evaporated. The private cursing was not 
loud but deep. Tiie public speaking was rather loud than deep. The 
meeting was adjourned by a crowd of Baltimoreans with " Three cheers 
for Bell and Everett." 



IN TIIE THEATRE 

This morning, tlie first thing in order after prayers, was the report of 
the decision of the Kentucky delegation. Col. Caldwell stated the de- 
termination arrived at in very gentlemanly and re.-pectful terms, and 
withdrew the name of James Guthrie. A communication from Mr. 



203 

James G. Leach of Kentucky was road. It stated liis reasons for with- 
drawiiiir, and was couched in terms that reflected severely upon the ac- 
tion ot the Convention. 

Mr. Payne of Ohio considered the communication insulting. Several 
other o-entiemen thought the Convention had been insulted. 

Mr. Leach said he had intended no disrespect to the Convention, and 
he thought it a morbidly sensitive liody to take off<nse. 

The following gentlemen from the Kentucky delegation, N. W. Wil- 
liamson, G. A Caldwell, delegates for the Slate at large, W. IJradley, 
Samuel B. Field, Thos. J. Young, presented a series of resolutions, set- 
ting forth that without intending to vacate their seats, and hoping;, for 
the restoration of unity and harmony, they would decline to partieipatc 
longer in the actfon of the Convention and would not hold themselves 
or constituents bound by its action. 

The following was also presented : 

Resolved. That the chairman of our delegation be instructed to inform the Con- 
vention in our belialf that iu the present condition of that body we deem it ia- 
consistent with our duty to ourselves and our constituents to participate further 
in its deliberations. Our reasons for so doing will be given to the Democracy 
of Kt'utucky. 

Jno. Dishman, L. Guekn, 
J. S. KiNuuicK, K. M Johnson, 
Jos. B. Beck, Cat.. Botler, 
I). W. Qiiari.es, R. McKee, 
Colbeut Cecil, Jas. G. Leach. 

Mr. Reed of Kentucky was happy to say there were nine delegates 
from that State, who saw no cause for the disturbance of the harmony 
of the Convention. He said : 

I read in the history of the ancient city of the plain that an angel of 
the Lord was sent to inquire whether there were any righteous men to be 
found that that city might be saved, the promise being that if five could 
be found it should not be destroyed, [.ipplause.] I am happy to say 
that from Kentucky there are not only five but nine men who will stand 
by this Convention. [Applause.] It is a Democratic Convention. It 
belongs to the Democratic party. We, of Kentucky, stand here op- 
posing secession and sectionalism North and South. We will stand 
with you as a wall of fire in opposing both extremes. I am not going 
to abandon the Convention because it is apparent that one of our glori- 
ous chieftains is not likely to receive the nomination. [Applause.] 
No, I have gratitude in my heart to the man whose pathway from the 
city of Washington to his house in the far West is lighted by his own 
effigies. [Applause.] We in Kentucky owe to him, and to the North 
and West, our homes and firesides. Gentlemen who own a hundred 
slaves each, say I am right. I will go home to my constituents and to 
the campaign, and camp-fires will be lighted in the mountains and val- 
leys, and in less than seventy days you will hear a shout that will turn 
the course of affairs and set things right. [Applause.] We will take 
this matter out of the hands of politicians and the Administration and 
return it to the people. He concluded by putting in nomination again 
" Mr. Guthrie, Kentucky's favorite son." 



204 

Mr. Clark of Missouri announced that two of the delegation of that 
State had concluded to retire from the Convention. Mr. Clark reiterated 
his fixed purpo.se of remaining in the Convention, if it followed in its 
action "the usages of the Democratic party." 

Mr. Hill of North Carolina retired from the Convention, because he 
held a seat under the same circumstances as Mr. Hallett of Massachu- 
setts had held his. As Mr. Ilallett had been ousted, he could not in 
honor remain, though his alternate did not claim his seat. 

Mr, Moore of Delaware was anxious to make some remarks. 

Mr. McCook of Ohio objected. 

Mr. Jones of Tennessee said that instead of 19 only 13 of the dele- 
gates from that State had retired from the Convention. 

Several leading Douglas men now insisted upon choking off debate, 
and as the main question had been ordered to be now put, nothing could 
be said without general consent. The President had received two pa- 
pers, and deemed it his duty to communicate them to the Convention. 
One paper was signed by Mr. Stirman of Arkansas. The other was 
from the delegation of Georgia. 

Mr. Stirman of Arkansas desired to state why he retired from the 
Convention. Objection was made and insisted upon. 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania called for the vote upon his resolution 
to ballot for candidates for President and Vice-President. 

The President — Gentlemen of the Con.vention, a motion has been 
made by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Cessna), to the consid- 
eration of which the chair will now proceed. 

But before doing so, I beg the indulgence of the Convention to say 
that whilst deeply sensible of the honor done me by the Convention in 
placing me in this chair, I was not less deeply sensible of the difficul- 
ties, general and personal, looming up in the future to environ my path. 
Nevertheless, in the solicitude to maintain the harmony and union of 
the Democratic party, and in the face of the retirement of the delegations 
of several States, I continued at my post, laboring to that end, and in 
that sense had the honor to meet you, gentlemen, here in Baltimore. 
But circumstances have since transpired which compel me to pause. 
The delegations of a majority of the States of this Union have, either 
in whole or in part, in one form or another, ceased to participate in the 
deliberations of this body. At no time would any consideration of can- 
didates have affected my judgment as to ray duty. And I came here 
prepared, regardless of all personal preferences, cordially to support the 
nominations of this Convention, whosoever they might be. But under 
the present citcumstances I deem it a duty of self respect, and I deem 
it still more a duty to this Convention as at present organized — I say I 
deem it my duty in both relations, whilst tendering my most grateful 
acknowledgements to gentlemen of all sides, and especially to those 
gentlemen who may have differed with me in opinion in any respect, 
whilst tendering my most grateful acknowledgments to all gentlemen 
for the candid ami honorable support which they have given to the chair, 
even when they differed in opinion upon rulings, and whilst tendering 
also to tlie gentlemcm present my most cordial respects and regards, not 
knowing a single gentleman upon this floor as to whom I have other 



205 

than sentiments of cordiality and friendship — I deem it my duty to re- 
sign my scut, as presiding officer of this Convention. [Applnuse.] I 
deem it my duty to resign my place as presiding officer of this Conven- 
tion in order to take my seat on the floor as a member of the delegation 
of Massachusetts, and to abide whatever may be its determination in 
reo-ard to its further action in this Convention. And I deem this above 
all a duty I owe to the members of the Convention as to whom my ac- 
tion would no longer represent the will of the majority of the Conven- 
tion. 

When Mr. Gushing used the words "but before doing so" the 
whole Convention knew what was coming, and every word he uttered 
was heard by all. The occasion was a severe trial for even the well- 
trained nerves of Mr. Cushing, and there was, for a moment, slight 
embarrassment of manner. The North-western delegates cheered him 
violently as he retired from the chair, and hundreds of spectators cheered 
him also. The North-westerners wished to express their joy in getting 
rid of him. The spectators desired to show that they approved his 
course. 

Gov. David Todd of Ohio, one of the Vice-Presidents, took the chair, 
and as he rapped to order, the friends of Mr. Douglas, seeing their way 
clear (through the Convention), cheered enthusiastically. Gov. Todd 
said, as soon as he could be heard : 

As the present presiding officer of this Convention by common con- 
sent of my brother Vice-Presidents, with great diffidence I assume the 
chair. When I announce to you that for thirty-four years I have stood 
up in that district so long misrepresented by Joshua R. Giddings, with 
the Democratic Banner in my hand [applause], I know that I shall re- 
ceive the good wishes of this Convention, at least, for the discharge of 
the duties of the chair. If there are no privileged questions interven- 
in», the Secretary will proceed with the call of the States. 

Mr. Butler of Massachusetts was now anxious to obtain the floor, the 
object being to withdraw the majority of the delegation of his State. 
The Douglas men flew into a tempest of passion, and shouted " order," 
and " object." Todd thought it his business to force a vote instantly, 
and insisted that the Secretary should proceed to call the Slates — con- 
sequently the Secretary shrieked out the names of States, in the din of 
an indescribable confusion. There were partial responses from some of 
them which could hardly be heard, and the Convention seemed rapidly 
becoming a roaring mob. Gavit, chairman of the Indiana delegation, 
jumped up and moved that the Convention give Massachusetts leave to 
retire, and give her three cheers for going. 

When the State of Massachusetts was called for a vote, however, 
Mr. Butler had the opportunity of stating the desire of the majority of 
the Massachusetts delegation to withdraw. He said : 

We have not discussed the question, Mr. President, whether the ac- 
tion of the Convention, in excluding certain delegates, could be any 
reason for withdrawal. We now put our withdrawal before you, upon 
the simple ground, among others, that there has been a withdrawal in 
part of a majority of the States, and further (and that, perhaps, more per- 
sonal to myself), upon the ground that I will not sit in a Convention 



206 

wbere tlie African ?lavetraf1e — wbieh is piracy by tbe laws of my coun- 
try — is approvingly advocated. 

Tbe Convention hinghed at tbe virtue of Mr. Butler on tbe subject 
of the t-bive trade. He pass-ed out shaking bands right and left, and 
was b)U(lly cheered on his way. A good many bard things bad been 
said of Mr. Butler, but he had provided himself with a body-guard in 
the person of Price, the Boston prize-fighter, who stood near with a buU- 
do» expression of countenance, while Mr. Butler was striving for the 
floor, and speaking. 

Mr. Stevens, one of the remaining delegates of Massachusetts, said 
it was bis conviction that be could not leave that Convention without 
meeting tbe deepest reprobation of bis constituents. 

Mr. Brent of Maryland had something to say. Mr. Jones of Penn- 
sylvania insisted sharply, when Mr. Dick of North Carolina commenced 
a speech, that gentlemen should not make stump speeches in explaining 
their votes. Dick said his constituents bad sent bini there, knowing 
that be would vote for Douglas. Speaking of the parties opposed to 
the Democracy, be said : 

True, one is but a small army, with no ammunition, and with old 
rusty guns- long since condemned. [Laughter.] But the other is a 
foe to be dreaded. They are falling into line and advancing. They 
have an expi-rienced chieftain, and above their beads waves the banner 
of treason and disunion, stained with the bluod of V'^irginia's sons. 
[Applause.] 

A point of order was raised on Mr. Dick by Mr. Jones of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Mr. Yost of Virginia threatened to leave tbe Convention, " as a 
Douglas man," if Southern delegates were not allowed to explaia their 
votes, and make a record to go before their constituents upon. 

The Pre.sident ruled that Mr. Dick eouLl proceed in spite of objec- 
tion. It Was explained that Mr. Dick was a District Attorney of the 
United States. Mr. Dick concluded his speech, and cast one vote from 
North Carolina fur Douglas. 

Mr. Gaulden of Georgia read a card from the Georgia delegation, 
stating that be (Gaulden), " in assuming to act as a delegate from the 
State of Georgia, has violated the instructions of his State, and his 
personal pledges to bis colleagues, and bus caused mortidcation and 
disgust to the delegation from Georgia." Mr. Gaulden had "as much 
pity and contempt for them, as they could possibly have fur him." In 
concluding, Mr. Gaulden excused himself from voting. 

jMr. Parsons of Alabama, in casting the vote of Alabama, said : 

You will find a response come up from tbe Gulf States — the Cotton 
States — such as never before has been beard since this Republic was 
established. [Applause] You have been told by distinguished gen- 
tlemen from our State that we do not speak the sentiments of our peo- 
ple. W(! appeal to the verdict of the ballot-box. We made the issue 
with them in 1850 and 1851, and we tell them to take warning from 
tbe result of that issue. 

I'ierre Soule now made the speech of tbe Convention, His rolling, 
glittering, eagle eye, Napoleonic head and face, sharp voice, with a mar- 



207 

gin of French accent, and piercing, intense earnestness of manner, 
cominand(Ml profourKJ attention, and fa^cinuted ail wlio saw and heard. 
His sjjeocli was a brilliant and noble eff )rr, and was rapturously ap- 
plauded to tlie echo. The effect of this speech was to greatly animate 
and reassure the friends of Douglas. He said : 

I have not been at all discouraged by the emotion which has been 
attempted to be created in this body, by those who have seceded from 
it. We from the furthest South were prepared ; wo had heard around 
us the rumors which were to be initiatory of the exit which you have 
witnessed on this day, and we knew that conspiracy which had been 
brooding for months past, would break out on this occasion, and for the 
purposes which are obvious to every member. Sirs, there are in politi- 
cal life men who were once honored by popular favor, who consider that 
the favor has become to them an inalienable property, and who cling to 
it as to something that can no longer be wrested from their hands — 
political fossils so much incrusted in office that there is hardly any 
power that can extract them. [Applause ] They saw that the popular 
voice was clearly manifesting to this gluriuus nation who was to be her 
next ruler. More than eight or ten months before this Convention as- 
sembled, the nauie of that future ruler of these States had been thrown 
into the canvass and was before the people. Instead of biinging a can- 
didate to oppose him ; instead of creating before the people issues upon 
which the choice of the nation could be enlightened ; instead of prin- 
ciples discussid, what have we seen? An unrelentiug war agjiinst the 
individual presumed to be the favorite of the nation [iipplauscj — a war 
waged by an army of unprincipled and unscrupulous puliticians, leagued 
with a power which could not be exerted on their side without dis- 
gracing itself and disgracing the nation. [Renewed applause] 

Mr. Soule declared secession meant disunion. He said, however, the 
South had backed out from its threat made on the Califurnia question. 
He said fun her : 

John C. Calhoun, when the famous compromise tendered by Mr. 
Clayton of Delaware was being di cussed in the United States Senate — 
John C. Calhoun considered that the proffer to place in the bands of one 
federal tribunal the question of the extent of power in the Territories 
was to the South a sufficient guarantee to ni:ike acceptable the compro- 
mise tendered ; and where Calhoun could stand a Southern man need 
not fear to stand. 

He declared the people of the South would not respond to the call 
made upon them by ttie Secessionists. He said Louisiana was unwilling 
to risk her future, and the future of the Union, upon impracticable issues 
and merely theoretical abstractions. 

Mr. Stirman of Arkansas here withdrew from the Convention. He 
was sorry to go, but under his instructions, had no alternative. 

Mr. Flournoy of Arkansas explained how he happened to be instruct- 
ed to vote for Breckenridge. He then proceeded ni the following, elo- 
quent strain : 

I am a Southern man, born and reared amid the institution of sla- 
very. I tir.-t lc:irnt!<l to whirl the top and bounce the liall with the 
young Afiican. Every thing I own on earth is the result of blave labor. 



208 

The bread that feeds my wife and little ones is produced by the labor 
of slaves. They live on my plantation with every feeling of kindness 
as between master and slave. Sir, if I could see that there is any thing 
intended in our platform unfriendly to the institution of slavery — if I 
could see that we did not get every constitutional right we are entitled 
to, I would be the last on earth to submit in this Union ; I would my- 
self apply the torch to the magazine and blow it into atoms before I 
would submit to wrong. [Applause.] But I feel that in the doctrine 
of non-intervention and popular sovereignty are enough to protect the 
interests of the South. 

Mr. Dodge of Iowa made a speech in which he praised Judge Doug- 
las and Col!' Richardson extravagantly, and wondered at the hostility 
displayed toward them by the South. 

Before the result of the ballot was announced, Mr. Stoughton chal- 
lenged the vote of Vermont. He had declined to vote, and yet the 
whole vote of the State had been cast. Mr. Smith of Vermont con- 
tended that, according to instructions, he had the right to cast the whole 
vote of the State. 

As the name of Horatio Seymour had been mentioned and a vote cast 
for him, Mr. Bissell of New York withdrew the name of Seymour, 
reading a letter of declension from that gentleman. Mr. Seymour said 
in his letter : 

"I do not suppose my name will be presented on that occasion, but 
if it is I request that you will, as a delegate from this district, withdraw 
it from their consideration. I cannot, under any circumstances, be a 
candidate for the office of President or Vice-President." 

Mr. Bissell said : 

It is due to Mr. Seymour to say that he has ever expressed to me, 
his neighbor and friend, the same feeling. Gentlemen have entertained 
different views ; and a paper in New York (I regret to pollute my lips 
with its name), the New York Herald, has insisted all the time that 
Mr. Seymour was not honest ; but, as his friend and neighbor, I with- 
draw his name. 

A Maryland delegate withdrew his vote for Breckenridge and declined 
to vote. 

RESULT OF THE FIRST BALLOT. 

The Secretary here announced the result of the first ballot as 
follows : 

Whole vole cast 190^ 

For Douglas 173i 

For Guthrie 9 

For Brcckonridgo 5 

For Seymour 1 

For Bocock 1 

For Wise 2 

For Dickiuson 2 



209 



KIKST BALLOT. 



States 


1 

be 

S 

o 

Q 


a; 

a 
o 

P5 




c 




m 


a 


5 


3 


e 




CA 




New Hampshire 


5 

5 
10 

4 

3.^ 
35" 

2 J 
10' 

?i 

1 

9 
6 
1 

4 4 
3 




































































New York 




































3 






,1 




























Alabama 
















































n 


























H 






23 
13 

11 
6 
5 
4 
21 

173J 


















































































•5 

5 


1 


1 


J 


1 
10 






1 



Mr. Church of New York offered a resolution. Objections were 
made. Many delegates wanted another ballot before a resolution was 
introduced. The resolution was read as follows : 

Resolved. That Stephen A. Douglas, of the State of Illinois, having now 
roceiA-ecl two-t birds of all the votes given in this Convention, he is hereby 
declared, in accordance with the rules governing this body and in accordance 
with the uniform custom and rules of former Democratic National Conventions, 
the regular nominee of the Democratic party of the United States for the office 
of President. 

Mr. Church made a speech in favor of his resolution. He said : 

We have yielded every thing but personal honor in order to heal up 
the divisions of this Convention. One question after another has been 
presented to us, and we have been asked to yield this point, and that 
point, and the other point, and we have never failed to respond when- 
ever we have been asked until we were required to yield up every thing 
which distinguishes our manhood — nay, more, every thing which distin- 
guishes the manhood of the 200,000 Democrats behind us. [Ap- 
plause.] When we came to that point — though we say it with pain, 
and sorrow, and anguish — when we were asked to admit, without ques- 
tion or examination, the whole body of seceders who came here to our 
doors — not repentant, not determined to abide by our action, but 
demanding the surrender of our principles into their hands — when we 
14 



210 



were asked to do that, and, besides, to give up our candidate and the 
carididiite of the choice of the Democracy of New York — a candidate 
who will sweep New York as with a whirlwind [applau-^e] — when we 
were asked to do all that, we said firmly we cannot in honor comply with 
your fJemands. 

Mr. (Church said of the adoption of the two-thirds rule in the shape 
it touk in Charleston, that it was "outrageous, undemocratic, despotic, 
wrong" — but New York had submitted to il for the sake of harmony. 

Mr. Gittings of Maryland rose to most solemnly protest against the 
proposed action. He said : 

The gentleman from New York (Mr. Church), says in one breath 
that New York has always desired to offcir the olive-branch ; and in the 
next breath he throws a tire-brand in the midst of the Democratic party 
which will create a flame no power on earth can quench. The two- 
thirds rule is one of the cardinal principles for the government of Dem- 
ocratic; Conventions; and better not make a nomination at all than 
rescind a rule for the purpose of making any one man a candidate. 

After some further debate, Mr. Church withdrew his resolution for 
another ballot. 

Mr. Flournoy of Arkansas voted for Douglas this time. 

Mr. 13ecker stated that himself and two of his colleagues had come 
to the conclusion to withdraw from the Convention. They were ready 
to meet all the responsibility for so doing. The following is the result 
of the -*, 

SECOND BALLOT. 



Slates. 



O 



Maine 

New Hampshire. 

Vermont 

Massachusetts. . . 
Rhode Island... 

CoauecticiU 

New York 

New J.'i'sey 

Pennsylvania. . . 

Maryland 

Virginia 

North (Jaroliua 

Alabama 

fiOiiisiana 

Arkansas 

Missouri 

Tennessee 

Kentucky 

Ohio 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Michigan 

WiscouHin 

Iowa 

Minucsota 



,'i 
10 

4 

?,} 
35" 

2.' 
]()" 

2.' 

3 

1 

9 

(i 

].' 

4}, 

a" 

2:5 
1:5 
11 

G 
5 
4 
4 



2i 



Tf >f al I8U 7k 5^ 



211 

Whole number of votes, 1942. 

The increas-ed vote on this ballot was from Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Iloge of Virginia wanted to nuive the uriaiiiinous nominntion of 
Douglas. Mr. Clark of Missouri, who had voted against Dnu.dis, siiid 
it was his purpose to second the motion of Mr. Ilogo. IMr. II. now 
said : 

I now beg leave to submit the following n-solution, being the same as 
that off^'red by the gentleman fmrn New York (Mr. Church), with a 
slight niodification that he and I have made : 

Rexolced unnnimousb/, That Stephen A. Doujilas, of the State of Illinois, having 
now received two-thirds of all votes given in this Convention is hereby dicliired, 
in accordance with rules governino; this body, and in accordance with the; uni- 
form customs and rules of former Uemocratic National Conventions, the regnlar 
nominee of the Democratic party of tlie United States for the office of President 
of the United States. 

Mr. Sayles of Rhode T.'-land made a speech about the late Democratic 
victory in that State, and said he had been told in Charleston that they 
weie hardly l)etter than Black Republicans. 

Mr. Seymour of New York enthusiastically indorsed Douglas, though 
be had heretofore opposed him. 

Mr. Mason of Kentucky made a speech, in which be doubted whether 
the fires would blaze so high upon the mountain-tops as had been assert- 
ed. He thought the resolution of Mr. Church injudicious, and pro- 
posed an amendment as follows : 

Now, if you will not say in the resolution that this is the rule which 
has heretofore governed the Democratic party — because you voted at 
Charleston, that it was not, and for our accommodation ; if you will not 
make this new construction, but simply declares that, under all the cir- 
cumstances, Mr. Douglas ought to be the unanimous nominee of this 
party. I should not be surprised if the State of Kentucky would agree 
with you, and that quite likely you may get the vote of that State, 
though I cannot say it with certainty. 

Mr. Richardson of Tllinoi.s — There has never been a nominat'on for 
President under any other construction than that made by my fi lend 
from New York in his resolution. It is true you agreed at Charleston 
that you would not do it this time, but always heretofore you have 
nominated the candidate by a two-third vote. Mr. Stevenson of Vir- 
ginia, in 1848, when the New York delegation was excluded, and Gen. 
Cass was nominated, declared that 170 votes were two-thirds. The 
action of the Convention has been uniform upon this subject. 

Mr. Craig of Mi.ssouii — Is there any obj. cfion to withdrawing the 
resolution and declaring the nomination unanimous by a big, old-fash- 
ioned Democratic yell V [Laughter and cries of " Question," "ques- 
tion."] 

The question being taken on the resolution of Mr. Church, it was 
adopted by an unanimous aye. 

Now a storm of cheers went up. The banner of the Keystone State 
was hung out from the upper jiallery, and K)mel ody produied on the 
stage a flag on which it was written " Pennsylvania giod for 40,000 
majority for Douglas. 



212 

The President said: Gentlemen of the Convention, as your presid- 
ing officer I declare Stephen A. Doughis, of Illinois, by the unanimous 
vote of this Convention, the nominee of the Democratic party of the 
United States for President. [Here Captain Rynders led off with 
three hearty cheers.] And may God, in his infinite mercy, protect 
him, and with him this Union! 

Mr. Dawson, chairman of the Pennsylvania delegation, was called 
on for a .speech. The following paragraphs embody its substance : 

Mr. President and gentlemen of the Convention, it is scarcely neces- 
sary for me to say that, at no time during the sittings of this body, did 
Judge Douglas receive the united vote of the delegation from Pennsyl- 
vania. And, I may further add, that in the consideration of a plat- 
form a majority of us united with oar Southern friends, ready to give 
them all that we believed them entitled to under the Federal Constitution. 
In our judgment they asked for nothing more, and we were not willing 
to give them less. [Applause.] In our actions then we have been over- 
ruled by a decided majority of this body, and, for Pennsylvania, I am 
free to say that, attached as we are to the Democratic party, its princi- 
ples, its discipline, its organization, standing true forever, in the elo- 
quent language of the President in his opening speech at Charleston, 
"Standing as perpetual sentinels upon the outposts of the Constitution," 
we will, I trust, abide by its decisions and support its nominees. [Cheers.] 

Judge Douglas is a man of acknowledged talent, and everywhere 
regarded as the accomplished statesman, skilled in the art of ruling. 
Born under a New England sun, yet by adoption a citizen of the West, 
honored and cherished in the valley of the Ohio and on the slopes of 
the Atlantic, he now should be of the whole country. [Cheers.] Un- 
trained, to some extent, in early life, in the learning of the schools, the 
deficiency, if any exists, has been largely compensated by the generous 
measure in which nature has bestowed upon him her choicest gifts of 
intellect and character. [A|)plause.] Like Henry of the Ptevolution, 
like Peel of England, these noble qualities have made him the architect 
of his own fortune. [Cheers.] 

Mr. Shepley of Maine spoke next. He had not been for Douglas 
at first, but he indorsed his nomination and said, in concluding h-s 
remarks : 

I have only one word to say in conclusion. We represent 55,000 
Democrats in the State of Maine, and although it has been urged here 
that there is no Northern Democracy in the coming election, we will 
show those men of the lowlands who have said it, that . 

" There are hills beyond Pentland, 

There are friths beyond Forth. 
If there are Ior(l.s in the Southland, 

Thi^re are chiefs in the North." 

Mr. Cochrane of New York made a handsome harmony speech. He 
had been against Douglas, but now congratulated the Convention and 
the whole country. lie said : 

But the time has arrived when these differences of opinion are to be 
merged in the authoritative decree of the great Democratic party, and 
as that decree is here announced to the people of the United States, I 
for one, lead the feeble volume of my voice to those ws^s and currents 



213 

that are now bearing to every portion of tlic Union the lionorod, illus- 
trious, impregnable name of Stephen A. Douglas. [Loud cheers.] 

He declared further that " the reluctance of the past should be 
compensated by the cordiality of the future," and said in conclusion : 
"Patriotism and honesty require that tho-:e who have been sent here as 
delegates are in strict honor bound by the action of this Convention. 
[Applause.] But above and beyond the obligations of honor there is 
a volition that will expand from these walls to the whole country, which 
will resound in huzza upon huzza for Stephen A. Douglas." 

The Convention took a recess until seven o'clock in the evening. 

EVENINO SESSION. 

The first thing was an explanation from Mr. Harrington of Illinois, 
who was the man alluded to by Mr. Smith of California as having 
acknowledged that the Cessna resolution was a trick. He said that, on 
the contrary, he had denied that that resolution was a trick. He ac- 
counted for Mr. Smith's statement by saying that he (Smith) had been 
almost insane from excitement. 

The following was named as the National Executive Committee : 

Sylvanus R Lyman, of Portland, Maine; Alfeus F. Snow, of Clare- 
mont, New Hampshire; Charles G. Eastman, of Montpelier, Vermont; 
Frederick C. Price, of Boston, Massachusetts; Jacob Babbitt, of Bris- 
tol, Rhode Island; Wm. F. Converse, of Norwich, Connecticut; Au-\ 
guste Belmont, of New York, New York; Jacob Van Nosdale, of New-/ 
ark. New Jersey; Richard Haldeman, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania;' 
Thos. M. Lanahan, of Baltimore, Maryland; John A. Harman, of 
Staunton, Virginia; Rob't E. Dick, of Greensborough, North Carolina; 
Wm. B Gaulden, of Huntsville, Georgia; W. W. Moore, of Jackson- 
ville, Florida; Oatley H. Bynimi, of Portland, Alabama; Thos. Cott- 
man, of Donaldsonville, Loui.^iana; Thomas Flournoy, of Arkansas; 
James Craig, of St. Joseph's, Missouri; C Knox Walker, of Memphis, 
Tennessee; Henry C. Harrison, of Covington, Kentucky; Hugh J. 
Jewett, of Zanesville, Ohio; H. W. Harrington, of Madison, Indiana; 
Murray McKunnel, of Jacksonville, Illinois; Benj. Follett, of Michi- 
gan; John K. Sharpstein, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Wm. H. Mer- 
[ Ij^ ti^., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Henry H. Sibley, of Minnesota; James 
A. McDougal, of San Francisco, California. 

Mr. Gaulden of Georgia desired to decline, but was not allowed to do 
so, and accepted "as a private citizen of Georgia." 

In the report of the committee on Rules and Regulations, it was pro- 
vided that the place of holding the next National Convention should be 
in the discretion of the National Committee. 

Mr. Sibley of Minnesota said: It was held by the presiding officer 
that the term of office of the National Executive Committee expired 
upon the assembling of the Convention, and serious inconveniences 
have resulted in consequence of that ruling. I now move that the 
Executive Committee shall remain in exi.^tence and continue its func- 
tions until its successors are elected and qualified. 

The motion was agreed to. 



214 

After it had been provided that Mr. G. Parkliurst, Recording Secre- 
tary, should prepare tiie proceedings for publication, and cause 10,000 
cojdes to be printed, 

Mr. Jones of Tennessee said : Mr. President, the Southern dele- 
gates in their Convention have conferred tt^getberand have agreed unan- 
iniou.><ly to nominate for Vice-Pre.-ident of the United States the Hon. 
Beiijuiiiin Fitzfiatiick, of the State of Alabama. [Applause.] 

Mr. Clark of Mo. seconded the nomination. He .said that a better 
one could not have been ma le, and that the name of Mr. Fitzpatrick 
would be a tower of strength. 

Telegraphic despatches were read announcing the reception of the 
nomination of Douglas at various points. 

Tlie President (after calling the Convention to order repea(odly) — 
Gentlemen, you all know that the chair feels so much disposition to 
join in these yells that he can't keep order. 

At the call of States for the vote on the Vice-Presidential nomina- 
tion, Mr. Fitzpatrick received 198^ votes, and one vote was given 
William F. Alexander of New Jersey. Mr. Alexander's name was 
authoritatively withdrawn when it was mentioned — a delegate from 
Pennsylvania voting for him — by Mr. Whitburn of New Jersey. 

Ttie following committee, upon motion of Mr. Ludlow, was appointed 
to in'brm Messrs. Douglas and Fitzpatrick of their nomination : W^ill- 
iara H. Ludlow of New York, J. L. Sevvard of Georgia, J. L. Dawson 
of Pennsylvania, Robert C Wickliffe of Louisiana, W. A. Gorman of 
Minnesota, T. V. Flournoy of Arkansas, A. A. King of Missouri, Bi- 
on Bradbury of Maine, R. P. Dick of North Carolina. 

Mr. Payne of Ohio — It is generally understood that the platform was 
adopted at Charleston. I understand a distinguished member from 
Louisiana (Mr. Wickliffe) desires to present a resolution relating to 
the pbtform, and I hope he will be allowed to do so. 

Gov. Wickliffe of Louisiisna — In belialf of the committee on Reso- 
lutions, I beg leave to present the following. The adoption of it will 
give to Stephen A Douglas forty thousand votes in two of the South- 
ern States of this Union : 

Eewlved, That it is in accordance with the interpretation of the Cincinnati 
Platfortn. that durini^- tlie exist(,'uce of the Tci-ritorial Governments the measure 
of restriction, wbatever it may he, imposcrl by the Federal Constitution on the 
power of the Territorial Lfi>isl-,Uuie over the subject of the domestic reUitions. 
as the same has becui or shuU iieri^after be finally determined by the Supreme 
Court of the United States, should be respected by alt good citizens and en- 
forced with promptness and lidelity by eveiy branch of the General Government. 

The resolution was received with loud expressions of approbation. 

Mr. Payne — Mr. President, I undertake to say that no fair-uiimled 
man, North or South, can find fault with one word of that resolution. 
[Several voices, "Not a word."] 

Mr. Payne moved the previous question. Mr. Davis of Virginia 
rose with excitement, said it was unfair, and wanted to be heard. Mr. 
Payne withdrew the previous question. 

Mr. Davis thought the subject of a platform was already sufficiently 
complicated. He did not want Fitzpatrick sacrificed by the inlroduc_ 



215 

tlon of that resolution, pjirtifularly as it did not mean any tiling at all. 
He was for the Cineiniinti l^latforin alone. Ho said : 

If we Can't get wliat we want, let us have nothing but the Cincinna- 
ti Platform and al)ido by that and wait our time. ]Jy and by tin; Dem- 
ocratic; party will give piotection, I believe, and that is the reason why 
I was elected as a protective man. I am a protective man here to-day. 
I^thitdv we have got one protective man on the ticket. If not, I am 
terril)ly deceived. I don't want him sacrificed by the introduction of 
this resolution. You won't hear me to-night. I stand ready to refute 
the fallacy of squatter or popular sovereignty whenever I can be lis- 
tened to. All I will say here then is that this resolution coniplicates 
the suliji'ct and involves the South wor.'^e and worse, and I protest, in 
the name of my constituenc^y, against its adoption. 

The resolution was adopted viva voce, with one or two dissenting 
voices. 

The Hon. William A. Richardson made a short speech reviewing the 
controvert^y between those who had seceded from, and those who re- 
mained in the Convention. He said : 

I am going to make an announcement that will account for the cur- 
rency of a rumor prevalent here the other day. Judge Douglas will 
accept the nomination. [Loud cheers and applause.] But Judge 
Douglas was prepared, for the harmony of the party, for the success of 
the party, for the preservation of the government, always and at all 
times, to withdraw his name from the Ccmvenfion. [Applause.] I 
mean those gentlemen shall meet that issue when they go home. I 
have had in my possession, since the session of this Convention here, 
his authority placed in my hands to withdraw his name, to be used by 
his friends whenever they deemed it necessary to do so. [Great ap- 
plause.] And I now send to the Secretary's desk a letter which, 
though marked " private," I ask may be read to this Convention. 

In this letter Mr. Douglas reiterated his doctrine of " Non-inter- 
vention," and said : 

" But while I can never sacrifice the principle, even to attain the Pres- 
idency, I will cheerfully and joyfully sacrifice myself to maintain the 
principle. If, therefore, you and my other friends, who have stood by 
me with such heroic firmness at Charleston and Baltimore, shall be of 
the opinion that the principle can be preserved and the unity and as- 
cendancy of the Democratic party maintained and the country saved 
from the perils of Northern abolitionism and Southern disunion by 
withdrawing my name and uniting upon some other non-interveutioa 

and Union loving Democrat, I beseech you to pursue that course. 
******* 

" The action of the Charleston Convention in sustaining me by so 
large a majority on the platform, and designating me as the first choice 
of the party for the Presidency, is all the personal triumph I desire. 
This letter is prompted by the same motives which induced my despatch 
four years ago, withdrawing my name from the Cincinnati Convention." 

Mr. Richardson resuming, said : 

So anxious was my friend, the nominee of this Convention, that this 
should be impressed upon the minds of all his friends here that he tele- 



216 

graphed the gentleman from New York (Mr. Richmond) on yesterday, 
T believe, to the srinie effect. I trust that no person who knows ine be- 
lieves that I would be guilty of manufocturing evidence for an occasion 
of this sort. [Cries of " No," "no."] I have borne this letter with 
me for three days, but those gentlemen who have seceded from this 
Convention placed it out of my power to use it. And the responsibili- 
ty, therefore, is on them. 

******* 

We in the North have one sectional party to fight, and intend to 
whip them. You have an equally sectional party to fight in the South, 
and we expect you to whip them. When the election conies on in No- 
vember next, we shall carry a majority of the electoral vote of the 
North, and we expect you to carry a majority of the electoral vote of 
the South. 

Mr. Cessna of Pennsylvania — We were informed upon the opening 
of this Convention in this city, by our late highly respected and most 
lamented presiding officer [laughter], that when we adjourned at 
Charleston there were pending three motions to reconsider, and three 
motions to lay those motions to reconsider on the table. I move that 
the question be now taken upon those motions. 

The motion was agreed to, and accordingly the several motions to re- 
consider were laid on the table. 

The usual votes of thanks were passed. Hon. David Todd was 
thanked. Railroads were thanked for half-fare tickets. The police of 
Baltimore were thanked. 

Then Mr. Warwack of Alabama returned thanks for the nomination 
made for Vice-President, and pledged the electoral vote of Alabama for 
the nominees of the Convention. It was here announced that four 
States had seceded from the Seceders' Convention. The announcement 
was received with much applause. It was, however, a mistake. No 
such secession had occurred. 

Mr. Stuart of Michigan proposed to adjourn, go into the field 
where the enemy were and "conquer them in a hand-to-hand fight." 

The President returned thanks for the vote of thanks, and con- 
cluded : 

We have only to continue firmly, nationally, sternly, fairly, honora- 
bly in the discharge of our duties, as we have done since we met at 
Charleston, to crown our efforts with entire success. 

Wishing you all a safe return to your homes, to your wives and chil- 
dren, and God grant that you may all have them at home waiting for 
you, I now declare this Convention adjourned, and bid you adieu. 

The hour was fifteen minutes to ten P. M. 



217 



INSTITUTE HALL ("SECEDERS") CONVENTION. 



%A' 



After the retirement of Mr. Gushing from the Presidency of the Con- 
vention in the theatre, the public lost interest in that body. There 
were several sensation scenes in the morning, the most remarkable of 
which was Mr Cushing dropping the gavel and leaving the chair, and 
Mr. Todd taking his place, with the Convention cheering heartily. But 
when it was evident to all that the Convention would nominate Douglas, 
as soon as the remaining delegates should exhaust them.selves in speech- 
nlaking, the public turned toward the Maryland Institute (or Market) 
Hall. The Hall is three hundred and twenty feet long, and seventy 
broad, with galleries running entirely around, and contains, when full 
in every part, eight thousand persons. The galleries, and the space 
on the floor set apart for outsiders, were quite full when the Conven- 
tion was called to order. 

The Baltimore Sun says of the feeling of the Seceding delegates, in 
coming together : " The members of the respective delegations entered 
freely into conversation. All restraint of feeling had disappeared, and 
a spirit of the most cordial unanimity and harmony characterized every 
man and every feature. The change of manner, expression and senti- 
ment was complete, and would have been striking and remarkable, but 
that it was consistent with general experience, in a Democratic Conven- 
tion undisturbed by factitious influences. None could poj^sibly fail to 
realize the perfect restoration of that geniality of intercourse which is 
alone the earnest of a harmonious result." 

Mr. Ewing of Tennessee called the Convention to order, and an- 
nounced Mr. Russell of Virginia as temporary chairman of the Con- 
vention. Messrs. Featherson of Mississippi and Stevens of Oregon 
were appointed a committee to escort Mr. Russell to his seat. Mr. 
Russell made a speech, in which he said : 

The Convention assembled elsewhere, and from which you have with- 
drawn, has lost all title to the designation of national. [Applause.] 
It cannot longer continue to perform the functions of a National Dem- 
ocratic Convention, and every one believes that all true Democrats will 
unite to declare it unsound in national relations. You and those who 
you represent are a majority of the people of the Democracy and of the 
Democratic States. [Applause.] They will look to you to perform 
the functions of a National Democratic Convention, and you will be so 
recognized alike by the North and the South, the East and the West, 
[Cheers.] 

On motion of Mr. Ewing, Messrs. Crosby of Oregon and Johnson of 
Maryland were selected as temporary Secretaries. 

Mr. Walker of Alabama moved the appointment of a committee of 
15 on Permanent Organization. Carried unanimously. 



218 

Senator Eayard of Delaware moved reconsideration, as the number 
(15) looked sectional. At his suggestion, the committee was made 5 
instead of 15. 

There was some talk about filling up the delegates' seats, there being 
a good many more chairs than delegates. This was quieted, however. 
The followuig was re/^ortcd as the cnmmittee on Organization : 

Walker of Alabama, McHenty of Pennsylvania, Srevens of Oregon, 
Williams of Massacliu^etts, and John Dishman of Kentucky. 

The Convention took a recess, and there were cries among the spec- 
tators for a speech from Yancey. 

EVENING SESSION. 

The chairman of each delegation was requested to hand to the Sec- 
retary a list of the delegates from his State. 

The Secretary proceeded to call the roll of the States, when the fol- 
lowing responses were made : 

Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minpesotu — no delegates. 

Vermont — One delegate. 

Ma.ssachasetts — S xfeen delegates. [Immense cheering.] 

New York — Two delegates. [Cheers.] 

Pennsylvania — Please pass Pennsylvania for the present — she is 
here. [Cheers ] 

New Jer.sey — No representative. 

Delaware is here — pass her for the present. 

Virginia — She is here with twenty-three delegates. 

North Carolina — She is here with sixteen delegates. [Applause.] 

Alabama is here with a full delegation — thirty-six delegates. 

Mississippi — A full delegation of fourteen. 

Louisiana — A full delegation ; fourteen. 

Texas — All here ; eight delegates. 

Arkansas — A full delegation, nine in number. 

Missouri — Two delegates. 

Tennessee — We have nineteen delegates here. 

Kentucky — Ten delegates. 

Iowa — <Mr. H. H. Heath presented a document with relation to a 
representation of that State on the floor of this Convention. [Cheers.] 

California — The entire delegation of that State is here as a unit. 

Oregon — She is here as a unit. 

Maryland — Maryland is here with nine of her delegation. 

South Carolina — No representatives. 

Florida — Six delegates. [Applause.] 

Mr. Johnson stated he was authorized to state in behalf of the Hon. 
Senator Bayard of Delaware, who was called to Wasliington on press- 
ing business, that he was with this Convention in sentiment and heart, 
and wiiuld cordially sustain its nominee. [Applause.] 

There was so nuieh confusion in the hall, that the process of calling 
delegations was tedious. There were many prominent Souihern men in 
the hall, among them Senator Toombs, whose dark, lowering face seemed 



219 

for once lit up with gond clieer. The leading Soutliorners of tlie dele- 
gations sniilt'd radiantly. T had not seen them look so hn|)py during 
the sixteen weary days of the Convention, and the two days' episode at 
Kieliniond. Yancey, who always wears a surface smile, twisted about 
in his seat with the unrest of intolerable felicity, laid his head first upon 
one shoLikh r and then upon the other, and glowed with satisfaction. 
Garnett, of Virginia, whose countenance is usually grave as Don 
Quixote's, seemed pleased as a school-boy with new l)oots. The great 
body of those collected as spectatois were manifestly favorable to the 
movement. The same public feeling apparent at Charleston in favor of 
the Soceders, came out in less degree here. It was a feeling of sec- 
tional pride, and a loyalty to the Southern leaders, thiit is superior to 
convictions of either principle or expediency. 

Mr. Walker of Alabama, from ttie committee on Organization, was 
authorized to report the following as the permanent officers of this Con- 
vention : 

PRESIDENT. 

Hon. CALEB GUSHING, of Massachusetts. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

V. L. Bradford, Pennsylvania. H. E. Stonshton, Vermont. 

O. R. Fiiiisten, Virginia. M. J. McP^Uianey. Missouri. 

A. P. Deiiison, Oregon. Richard Tayler, Louit^iana. 

J. E. Uresl)it, California. R. G. Scott, Alabama. 

J. (.). C. Atkins, Tennessee. Jo^iah Gonld, Arkansas. 

J. S. Keinick. Kentucky. W. P. Bowie, Mr.ryland. 

Brad lord Brown, North Carolina. W. H. Ross, Delaware. 

W. F. Featherston, Mississippi. H. M. Kunnels, Texas. 

H. S. Beuning, Georgia. B. F. Wardlaw. Florida. 

Secuetakies— W. H. Crosley, Oregon; "W. P. Cooper, Virginia; E. S. F. 
Hardcastle, Maryland ; N. H. R. Dawson, Alabama ; Thos. P. Ochiltree, Texas ; 
J. J. Williams, Florida ; F. West, Georgia ; F. W. Hoadhy, Arkansas ; W. G. 
Whiteley, Delaware; David Fist, Pennsylvania; C. J. Armistead, Mississippi; 
S. W. Humphrey, North Carolina; D. D. Withers, Tennessee. 

The name of Caleb Cushing was received with applause that remind- 
ed me of Chicago Hat-s and handkerchiefs were waved all around the 
great circle of the galleries, and over the heads of the crowds upon the 
floor. A committee was appointed to wait upon Mr. Cushing. The 
committee did not have far to proceed to find that gentleman, and in a 
few minutes were seen escorting him down the long passa>:e, fenced 
from the multitude with settees leading from the door to the seats re- 
served for the delegates and the platform. Cushing's person has, du- 
ring his Presidency over the deliberations of the Convention, become 
very well known. He was therefore instantly recognized by hundreds, 
and his familiar blue coat and brass buttons, his Webstcrian garments 
and Caj-arian head, were hailed with extraordinary acclamation. He 
marched through a lane of yelling Southciners, hats whirling, and 
handkerchiefs waving over his head, while the occupants of the galleries 
leaned forward, and shouted and clapped their hands, swung their hats, 
fluttered handkercheifs, and as he mounted the platform, Mr. Russell 
of Virginia took him by the hand, the Convention and crowd gave him 



220 

three clieorss, and Mr. R. mentioned that he " resumed^' h\s seat as 
chairman of the National Democratic Convention. 

Mr. Caching, after anxiously inquiring of the Secretaries how many 
States were repre.^ented, said : 

Gentlemen of the Convention — we assemble here, delegates to the 
National Democratic Convention [applause], duly accredited thereto 
from more than twenty States of the Union [applause], for the purpose 
of nominating candidates of the Democratic party for the offices of 
President and Vice-President of the United States — for the purpose of 
announcing the principles of the party, and for the purpose of continuing 
and re-establishing tiiat party upon the firm foundation of the Constitu- 
tion, the Union and the co-equal rights of the several States. [Applause.] 

Gentlemen, the Convention is in order for business. 

Every word rung through the immense hall, and the familiar sound 
of his voice certainly gave the Convention the tone of regularity. 

Mr. Loring of Massachusetts moved that a committee of one from 
each State be appointed as a committee on Credentials to decide the 
qualification of members to seats on this floor. 

Mr. Johnson of Maryland moved as an amendment, that the creden- 
tials be referred to the committee on Credentials as that committee 
stood at the last meeting of this Convention. [Applause.] 

Mr Loring — I accept the amendment. I had forgotten. I move, 
therefore, that the committee on Credentials be requested to examine 
and report on the credentials of members. 

A coiiiniunication was received from H. H. Heath of Dubuque, Iowa, 
and John Johns of Davenport, Iowa. These gentlemen were desirous 
that the National Democracy of Liwa should have a representation on 
that floor. Tliey did not claim to be regular delegates, but asked seats 
on the floor with " the right of mutual conference and consultation." 
The document was referred to the committee on Credentials. 

Mr. Atkins of Tennessee wanted business despatched. There was 
no reason why all the busine.'^s could not be accomplished before ad- 
journing. 

Mr. Butler of Massachusetts moved that the members of the com- 
mittee on Resolutions be requested to report a platform forthwith. He 
resigned his pluce on the committee, and Hon. B. F. Ilallett (" Author 
Cincinnati J*latform") was substituted. 

Mr. John.'^on of Maryhmd moved the adoption at once, without refer- 
ence to a committee, of that which was known as the majority platform 
reported at Charleston. 

Mr. Lubbock of Texas deprecated these hasty proceedings. The 
committee on Credentials had not reported- Care should betaken to 
do the work well. He conscientiously believed the nominees of that 
Convention would be elected President and Vice-President of the Un-ited 
States. 

Mr. Hunter of Louisiana presented the following resolution : 

lie-solved. That the delegates to the Richmond Convention be requested to 
unite will) thiir brethren of the National Democratic Convention, now a.^scnibled 
at the Maryhuid Institute Hall, on tl)e same platform of principles with them- 
Bclves, if they feel authorized to do so. 



221 



Mr. Lnring of Massachusetts moved that the resolution be amended 
so as to read '■ the delegates from Suuih Carolina :itid Florida accredited 
to Richmond," and he did so at the request of those delegates. [Ap- 
plause.] 

Mr. Russell suggested a committee of one from each State, to name 
candidates for President and Vice-President, to be voted for by the Con- 
vention. 

Mr. Howard of Tennessee objected — and Mr. Russell withdrew his 
motion. 

Mr. Fisher of Virginia offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed by the President of the Convention, 
cousifsting of live members, to address the Democracy of the Union ui)on the 
principles which have governed this body in maliiiig the nomination of Presi- 
dent and Vice-President, and in viudiciition of the principles of the party. 

Mr. Howard of Tennessee moved that the President of this Conven- 
tion be chairman of that committee. 31r. Howard put the question, and 
declared it carried unanimously. [Applause.] 

The President — I will appoint the committee at my earliest conveni- 
ence. 

It was suggested, that while the report of the committee on Creden- 
tials was being prepared a little business might be done. 80 it was de- 
creed that a " National Executive Committee of the Democratic party" 
should be appointed, and that the next Convention should be held in the 
city of Philadelphia. 

Mr. Stevens of Oregon, chairman of the committee on Credentials, 
reported the following duly accredited members as in attendance : 

colleagues have left the city, and as they 
feel themselves precluded by the unity rule 
of their State Convention, tney do not feel 
authorized to participate as delegates in the 
proceedings of this body.] 



VIRGINIA. I 

Charles W. Russell, Arthur R. Smith, John 
J. Kindred, M. W. Fisher, George Booker, i 
James Barbour, John Seddon, Lewis E. liar- | 
vie, William F. Thompson, Henry P. Gar- 
nett, Win A. Buckuer, John Blair Hoge, O. 
R. Funston, Walter D. Leake, Wm. P. Cecil, 
Robert Crockett, John Brannou, Henry Fitz- 
hugh, Robert A. Coghill, P. B Jones, E. W. 
Hubard, Walter Coles, Wm. H. Clark, R. H. 
Glass. 



Henry R. Jackson, J. T. Irwin, Henry L. 
Banning, Solomon Cohen, John W. H. Un- 
derwood, Frederick H. West, T. Butler King, 
Julian Hartridge, Hugh M. Moore, John A. 
Jones, James M. Clark, Nelson Tift, T. J. 
IUcGehee, J. C. Gibson, P. Tracey, E. L. Stro- 
hecker, Thomas W. O. Hill, Wm. Phillips, 
James M. Barnwell, G. J. Fain, Lewis Tum- 
lin, James Hoge, Mark Johnston, H. B. Thom- 
as, James Jackson, James A. Sledge, Osborn 
T. Rogers, John A. Cobb, David C. Barrow, 
M. C. Fulton. 

NEW YORK. 

Augustus Schell, Bartlett. 

[Note.— *Several of the delegates from the 
State of New York are in attendance, in cor- 
dial sympathy with the objects and course 
of this Convention ; but as many of their 



CALIFORNIA. 

Aus'in E. Smith, D. S. Gregory, John A. 
Dreibilbis ; Chas L. Scott, proxy for G. W. 
Patrick; R. F. Langdon, proxy for L. R. Brad- 
ley; G. L. Dudley, proxy for John Rains; 
Calhoun Benham, proxy for John S. Dudley. 
John Bidwell appointed S. J. Hensley his 
proxy, but neither of them are here. 

MARYLAND. 

WiUiam T. Hamilton. John Contee, Levin 
Woolford, John R. Emory, E. L. F. Hard- 
castle, Daniel Fields, Bradley T. Johnson, 
William D. Bowie, Harville Stansbury. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

W. M. Reilly, V. L. Bradford, Geo. M. Hen- 
ry, E. C. Evans, Geo. H. Martin, H. A. Guen- 
sey, H. Laner. H. H. Dent. A. J Glossbren- 
ner, Arnold Plummer, H. B. Swarr, David 
Fister. 

LOUISIANA. 

R. A. Hunter, Richard Taylor, E. Lusen, 
John Tarleton, F. H Hatch, D. D. Withers, 
R. C. Downs, J. G. Pratt, F. H. Knapp, J. H. 
New, B. Milliken. 



* This IS the note of the Reporter of the Baltimore American. 



222 



MISSISSIPPI. 

Georpe II. Gord<in, Diaries Clark, E. Barks- 
dale, W. S. Bvrry, W. S. Wilson, W. S. 
Featherstoii, H. C. Chambers. Joseph W. 
Mathews, C. G Arrriistead, B. Matthews, P. 
F. Liddell, Josei)h R. Davis, "Wirt Adams 
Alexander M. Clayton. 



Lansing^ Stout, J. F. Lamerick, Isaac Ste- 
vens. Justis Steinberger, H R. Crosbee, A. 
P. Dennison. 

MINNESOTA. 

R. M. Johnson. 

NORTH CAHOLINA. 

Wm. Landis, W. W. Avery, Lotte W. 
Humphreys, John Walker. Samutl Hargrave, 
James Fulion Samuel P. Hill, T. J. Oreen, 
Columbus Mills, W. S Ashe, C. H. Foster. 
Bedford J. Brown, R. R. Biidges, W. A. 
Moore, W. S. Steele. 



James B. Owens, W. D. Barnes, Joseph 
John Williams, B. F. Wardlaw, Geo. W. Call, 
Charles E. Dyke, N. Bdker. 

TENNESSEE. 

Samuel Milligan, Wm. A. Quarles. J. D. C. 
Atkins, W.L. McClellatjd. Alfred Robb, James 
D. Thomas. Daniel Donelson. Thomas Men- 
iers, John D. Riley. J. B Lamb, H. F, Cum- 
mins, R. Matthews, F. C. Dunnington. John 
McGavoch, H. W. Wall, Andrew Ewing, R. 
D. Powell, John K Howard, C. Vaughne. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Caleb Cashing, James S. Whitney, W. C. 



N. Svrlft. P. W. Leland, Alexander Lincoln, 
Bradtord L. Wales. Isaac H. Wright. .lames 
Riley, Benjamin F Ilallett. George B Loring, 

E. S. Williams, George Johnson, Benjamin 

F. Butler. Abijah W, Chapin, David W. Car- 
penter, Reuben Noble. 

ARKANSAS. 

J. P. Johnson, De Rosig Carroll, Robert 
W.Johnson, T. C. Hindman, John A.Jor- 
dan, John J. Stirman, Josiah Gould, Van H. 
Manning, F. W. Hoadley. 

KENTUCKY. 

Richard M. J. Mavon, Lafayette Green, 
James G. Leach. John Lishman, Cclbert Ce- 
cil, James B. Beck, D. W. Quarles. Robert 
Gale, Robert M. Kean, John S. Kendicks. 

ALABAMA. 

L. p. Walker, A B. Meek. H. D. Smith, W. 
L. Yancey. F. S Lyon, W. M. Brooks, R. G. 
Scott, J W. Portis, N. H R. Dawson, T. J. 
Burnett, Eli S Shorter, J C. B. Mitchell, W. 
C. Penick, A. S. Van de Graff L M. Stone, 
John Erwin, G. D. Johnston. F G. Norman, 
John E. Moore, E. W Kennedy, Robert T. 
Scott, R. Chapman, Winfield Mason, Alex- 
ai der Snodgrass, J. T. Bradtord, AV. P. 
Browne, W. H. Forney, D. W. Bozeman. 



Guv M Brvan. H. R. Runnels, F. S. Stock- 
dale. F. R Lubbock. J. F. Crosby, Tom. P. 
Ochiltree. 

MISSOURI. 



C. J. Carwin, W. J, Mclihiney. 



It was recommended that the delegates from Iowa have compliment- 
ary tickets to the Convention, without leave to participate in itb proceed- 
ing.';. The Credential report was adopted unanimou>ly. 

Mr. Avery of North Caiolina, from the committee on Platform, re- 
ported the following, being the majority Platfoim of the Cliaileston 
committee : 

Resolved, That the platform adopted by the Democratic party at Cincinnati, be 
affirmed, with the following explanatory resolutions: 

1st. lifHulred, Thai, the government of a Territory organized by an act of Con- 
gress, is provisional and temporary ; and during its existence', all citizens of the 
United States have an equal right to settli; with their property in the Territory, 
without their rights either of person or property being destroyed or impaired by 
Congrc'ssional or TiTiitorial legislation. 

2d. lic-iohed, Tliat it is the duty of the Federal Government, in all its depart- 
ments, to protect, wlii/n necessary, the rights of persons and properly in the Ter- 
ritories, and wherever else its constitutional authority extends. 

3d. Ikfiolced, That when setllirs in a Territory liaving an adequate popula- 
tion, fonri a State Con.stltution, the rights of sovereignty commend .s. and, being 
consummati d by adinis.-^ion into the Union, they stand on an iqnal footing with 
the pfopic of oth'-r States ; and the State thus organized ought to be admitted 
iiiio llie Fed Tal Union, whether its constitution prohibits or recognizes the insti- 
tAitioii of slavery. 

4lJi. Jlesulved, That the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition of the 
Island of Cul)a, on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves and just to 
Spain, at the earliest jiraeticable moment. 

.5th. Resoloed, That the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful 



223 

execution of tbe Fugitive Slave law, are hostile in character to and subversive of 
the Constitution, aiui revolutionary in their effect. 

(ill). . AV.Ww/, That Ihe Dtinocracy ijf the United States reeopnizrs it as an 
imperative duly of this (Government to protect naturalized citizens in all their 
rights, whether at home or in foreign lands, to the same extent, as its native-born 
citizens. 

And whereas, one of the greatest necessities of the age. in a political, com- 
mercial, piist;>l and military point of view, is speedy cunmiunication between 
the Pacitic and Atlantic coasts, therefore be it 

7th. Eemlved, That the National Denmeratic parly do hereby phdge them- 
selves to use evd-y nu ans in their power to secure the passage ol kiuk! bill to 
the extent of the constitutional authority of Congress for the construction of a 
Pacific Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, at the earliest 
practicable moment. 

Mr. Avery moved the previous question upon this platform, and it 
was adopted without dissent. 

Mr. jMathews offered the followLng resolution, which was adopted: 

That the National Committee shall not issue tickets to the floor of the Con- 
vention in any case where there is a bona jide contestant. 

Mr. Greene of North Carolina moved "That all Constitutional Dem- 
ocrats of such States as are not at present represented, be toquested to 
unite in the organizition, and form an Electoral College in favor of the 
election of the nominees of this Convention " 

Mr. Henderson moved to strike out the word "Constitutional," and 
substitute "National," which was agreed to. 

Mr. Barksdale moved to proceed to the nomination of candidates for 
the Presidency and Vice-Presidency. 

So the Convention went on, harmoniously as a Kepublican Conven- 
tion where the party is in a minority. The pressure to tiansact busi- 
ness was overpowering. 

If a delegate spoke for five minutes, he would see many anxious in- 
dications of impatience, that would not long tolerate him. The only 
clog upon business was a difference of opinion as to the casting of 
votes. The question was whether a delegate from a Congressional 
District, whose colleague was absent, should cast one vote or one-half a 
vote. 

The rule of voting adopted at Charleston and Cincinnati prevailed. 

The President stated that a telegraphic message had just been put 
into his hands from the members of the State of Minnesota at the 
Charleston Convetition, desiring that Richard M. Johnsiai should east 
their vote. The despatch was signed by Messrs. Baker and Egerton. 

The committee on Credentials had recommended "that the rules 
and regulations adopted by the National Democratic Convention of 
1852 and 1856, be adopted by this Convention for its government, 
with tliis qualification — that no nomination shall be considered as made 
unless the candidate receives two-thiids of the votes of the States rep- 
resented by this Convention." 

The committee had further recommended " that each delegate cast 
the vote to wliich he is entitled in this Convention, and each State shall 
only east the nutnber of votes to which it may be entitltd by actual 
representation in this Convention." 



224 

Under these rules the Convention^ proceeded to the nomination of 
candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency. Mr. Lorinc of 
Massachusetts made a speech. He said : 

We have scon tlie statesmen of Mississippi coming into our own bor- 
ders, and fearlessly defending their principles, aye, and bringing the 
sectionalism of the North at their feet by their gallantry. We have ad- 
miration for this courage, and I trust to live by it and be governed by 
it. Among all these men to whom we have been led to listen, and ad- 
mire, and repeat, there is one standing pre-eminently before this coun- 
try — a young and gallant son of the South. 

And he named John C. Breckenridge, which name was received 
with a grand uproar of applause that signified his nomination. 

Mr. Denny of Pennsylvania seconded the nomination. 

Mr. Ward of Alabama begged leave "to put in nomination a distin- 
guished son of" the old commonwealth of the State of Virginia — R. M. 
Hunter — as our representative man. He has fought the battle for 
twenty-five years, and has stamped the impress of principle upon the 
great Democratic party of his country." 

Mr. Ewing of Tennesse put in nomination Daniel S. Dickinson of 
New York, and said : 

Mr. Webster, who was opposed to him, said he could not leave the 
Seniite without paying a tribute to the patriotism and dignity of charac- 
ter, as a gentleman and as a statesman, of Mr. Dickinson. Webster 
now sleeps with his fathers, but his judgment remains, and it was the 
impartial judgment of a man who was able to judge, and who was an 
opponent. 

Mr. Stevens of Oregon named the "Marion of the Mexican War." 
He said : 

We have tried him, and know him as a statesman and as a man 
of honor — we know him as a man of experience, and we know him as a 
man ruled by the Constitution under which we live. I beg leave, 
therefore, to present to this Convention the name of General Joseph 
Lane of Oregon. 

Mr. Matthews of Mississippi spoke of " the orator, warrior, states- 
man and lawyer, Jefferson Davis," but for the sake of harmony with- 
held his name. 

Mr. Kussell of Virginia, after consulting with his delegation, re- 
([uested Alabama to withdraw the name of Hunter. 

Mr. Ward of Alabama complied, expressing his " profound admira- 
tion " for the bearing of Virginia. 

The roll of States was then called. The result was : 

For Breckenridge — Vermont A, Massachusetts 8, Pennsylvania 4, 
Maryland 1^, Virginia 111, Georgia 10, Florida 3, Alabama 9, Louis- 
iana G, Mississippi 7, Texas 4, Arkansas 4, Kentucky 4d, Minnesota 1, 
California 4, Oregon 3 — 81. 

For Dickinson — New York 2, Maryland 3, North Carolina 8|, Mis- 
souri 1, Tennessee 9;] — 24. 

The States that had voted for Dickinson one afrer another changed 
to Breckenridge, who was then declared unanimously nominated. 



I 



During the lallot for a candidate for tlio Presidency, Mr. Bartlett 
of New York said : 

I came into the delegation of the State of New York, under the 
rule passed by the Democratic State Convention of that State. But it 
did not take me long to discover what the game was, after one day's 
session in that delegation. I was satisfied in my own mind that the 
slate had been filled, and, therefore, I was placed, like many others of 
my colleagues, in the minority of that delegation ; and upon all ques- 
tions, and especially upon the adoption of the majority report on Cre- 
dentials, in which we had a long contest, the line was strictly drawn, 
and there was thirty on one side and forty on the other. 

He also made an eloquent appeal for the Union. 

Mr. Green of North Carolina rose and proposed Hon. Joseph Lane 
of Oregon, as Vice-President, which was seconded by the California 
delegation, and, on a call of the States, unanimously agreed to. 

When the cheering subsided, there was a general call for " Yancey " 
"Yancey" — and that gentleman stepped forward upon the platform, 
and had a reception of the most flattering character. He is a square 
built middle-sized gentleman, with a decided stoop in the shoulders. 
His hair is a light brown, and his eyes large and gray. His face is pe- 
culiar, and without striking features, though closely observed it is seen 
to be the face of an inten.se and powerful man, having an expression of 
concentration, and a good-natured sort of pluck. His style of dress is 
that of a tidy business man, and his manners frank and unassuming as 
those of a boy. There is not the slightest symptom of the fanatic 
about him. His convictions are evidently not disturbed for a moment, 
nor is his confidence in himself by any means depressed by the vicisi- 
tudes of a doubtful controversy. In the midst of the most exciting 
scenes he is placid in appearance and so thoroughly conversant with his 
purpose, that he is at perfect ease. The smile that he wears amid the 
acclamations of a multitude of admirers would hardly darken a shade 
at the hootings of an exasperated mob. But you do not know him 
until you have heard him speak. His voice is clear as a bugle-note, 
and at the same time singularly blended with its music is a sharp high 
metallic ring, like that of a triangle of steel. This peculiar voice, al- 
ways clear and sharp, pierces to a great distance, and would instantly 
command attention in any assembly. He speaks with great animation 
of gesture with his arms, meanwhile walking quietly up and down the 
platform. Upon commencing a particular branch of his subject, he 
straightens himself with an effort, stands perfectly erect, and pulls up 
his coat-sleeves. As he proceeds in the demonstration, he moves toward 
the edge of the platform and leaning forward, indicates the progress he 
is making by exclamation points given with the index finger of his right 
hand upon the palm of the left. As he clinches the proposition he 
leans forward until poised upon the toes of his boots, his right arm ex- 
tended and pointing into the heart of the matter, and then usually as 
he rebounds, he throws off sportively as it were a graceful climax of 
rhetoric ; and is ready for the next point. — 

Mr. Yancey commenced his speech on this occasion, by saying: Mr. 
President and Gentlemen of the Convention — The storm clouds of faction 
15 



226 

have drifted away, and the sunlight of principle, under the Constitution, 
and of the Union under the Constitution, shines brightly upon the Na- 
tional Democracy. He declared that the Democracy, the Constitution, 
and tlirough them the Union, were yet safe. In defining his position in 
regard to the Union, he said : I am, however, no worshiper at the 
.shrine of the Union. I am no TTnion shrieker. I meet great questions 
fairly, on their own merits. I do not try to drown the judgment of the 
people by shrieking for the Union. I am neither for the Union nor 
against the Union— neither for disunion nor against disunion. I urge 
or oppose measures upon the ground of their constitutionality and wisdom 
or the reverse. 

He said of Mr. Douglas : But I will let Mr. Douglas rest where his 
friends have placed him, contending, however, that they have buried him 
to-day beneath the grave of squatter sovereignty. The nomination that 
was made (I speak it prophetically), was made to be defeated and it 
is bound to be defeated. 

Mr. Yancey reviewed very clearly, the scriptural and historical refer- 
ences made in the Douglas Convention by Mr. Green of Ky., respecting 
the few righteous men of Sodom, and by Mr. Claiborne of Missouri, who 
introduced the story of Lord James Douglas and the heart of Bruce. 

And with all Mr. Yancey's power, it is due the truth to say that he 
was guilty of that terrible offense on such an occasion — too much speak- 
ing — and contrived to use up very handsomely the brilliant reputation 
with which he came to Baltimore, as an orator of the first order, and a 
man of wonderful ability, perfect tact, and fascinating address. He has 
great and glittering qualities, but the Baltimoreans had over-estimated 
him. His speech was a disenchanter. He was not calculated to assist 
his party at all, but rather to place embarrassments in its way. He 
denied being a disunionist, but his talk respecting the Union did not in- 
dicate any warmth of affection for our common nationality. It was very 
calculating, and to the man who loves the Union for itself, and entertains 
a sentiment of national pride, which has its origin rather in the warm 
emotions of the heart, than the cold reason of the head, was offensive and 
distressing. He proceeded to elaborate the same argument made by 
Mr. Stevens in his minority report, and did not improve it at all by his 
redundancy of words. He had the bad taste, too, to enter largely into 
Alabama politics, and gave details of matters purely local in their nature. 
The people left the hall by hundreds ; yet he spoke on, as if unconscious 
that instead of captivating the multitudes he was boring them. Cushing 
became uneasy, nervous and fidgety. Yancey was speaking the people 
out of the hall, and using up all the time with Alabama matters. It 
had been intimated that Burnett of Kentucky should respond to the 
nomination of John C. Breckenridge, but now there was no time for 
Burnett. Y^'ancey was interrupted once, delicately as possible, to attend 
to some necessary business, but he could not or would not take the hint, 
but resuming, talked on and on — most injudiciously irritating the nerves 
of the people, and tampering with the patience of all who would have 
been glad to have heard all he had to say on another occasion. He was 
doing another thing that was undesirable. By talking so loud and long 
then and there, and putting himself and Alabama so prominently for. 



227 

ward, lie was identifying his name, and the ultraism of Alabama, too 
intimately and conspicuously with the movement represented in that 
hall. When he concluded it was evident that there would not be any 
more speech making. If the eloquence of Yancey had become a weari- 
ness, who should dare propose to stand up before the jaded crowd, 
sick, as all were, of the very sound of the human voice. 

Mr. Avery of North Carolina offered a resolution of thanks to Mr. 
Gushing, who, on rising to acknowledge the compliment, was received 
with extravagant applause. He said : 

Gentlemen of the Convention — I beg you to accept the expression of 
my heartfelt acknowledgment of your thanks. I do not intend to 
say any thing more, except to congratulate you upon the most felicitous 
termination of your labors, l)oth in the adoption of platform, and in the 
nomination of your candidates. 

A motion, by Judge Meek, that the President have power to appoint 
committees, was adopted. And at eleven o'clock the Convention ad- 
journed sine die. 



THE CONTEST AT BALTIMORE— THE SPIRIT OP THE 

SPLIT. 

When the Seceders appeared at Baltimore, pursuant to the programme 
of the Southern Congressmen, advertised in their manifesto and perfect- 
ed at Richmond, the contest between the antagonisms which had been 
fully developed at Charleston, resolved itself into a simple one on cre- 
dentials, between the original Charleston delegates, and the delegations 
from several States, provided to fill up the gaps caused by secession, with 
the deciding vote in the hand of Dean Richmond, chairman of the New 
York delegation. Richmond & Co., while able to say whether the Con- 
vention should be consolidated by admitting the original Southern dele- 
gates, or disrupted by excluding the seceders, could not say, in case of 
consolidation, who should be the nominee. The friends of Douglas were 
without confidence in Richmond (" the Dean"), and were only pre- 
vented from denouncing him, by the appreciation of their dependence 
upon him. If he slaughtered Douglas, they had the power and the will 
to slaughter his man, and would have prevented the nomination of any 
candidate for whom he, in connection with the South, might have thrown 
his influence. Hence the hesitation of New York — her long consulta- 
tions — her vascillation, and retrograde movements. She struggled for a 
compromise, but both sides were so fierce that compromising was out of 
the question. The Southerners thought they had compromised enough in 
coming to Baltimore, and condescending to ask admission into the Con- 
vention from which they had seceded. The friends of Douglas could 
not be expected to throw away the last chance for their candidate, by 
making up the Convention, so far as possible, out of its original materials. 
Such a compromise as that would have been, not a capitulation, but a 
surrender at discretion. They did, at the solicitation, indeed the dicta- 
torial demand of New York, back out from two propositions, and were 



228 

sorry for it afterward. They had taken the ground that no delegate 
accredited to the Kichmond Convention, should be allowed to enter that 
at Baltimore. They were drawn from this point by the strong case of 
Mississippi. They had also declared the necessity of a pledge or under- 
standing, that all delegates entering the Convention, should make or 
assent to, to the effect that they would support the nominees of the Con- 
vention. After urging this for a few hours, and observing the explosive 
excitement engendered by it, they withdrew it. They also, or rather 
New York, succumbed respecting their delegation from Georgia. Yet 
it was impossible to satisfy the demands of the South and preserve the 
unity of the Convention, without passing under the yoke of Yancey, and 
they could not consent to that humiliation. 

The friends of Mr. Douglas finding their boasted availability in can- 
didate and platform repudiated, and themselves treated as " property," 
rather than Sovereign, became infuriated. They were animated by pas- 
sions whose force is terrible. There was in the first place an unappeas- 
able hungering for the spoils, common, I suppose, to all politicians. 
They had long been placed on short allowance. In yielding to the de- 
mands of the South, and following their leaders ambitious of national 
eminence, they had been deserted by the greater portion of the people 
of their own localities. They had long been stung by the taunts of 
their Republican neighbors, that they were serfs of Southern masters, 
and in the new demands and arrogant intolerance of the South, they 
felt that they were regarded as inferiors, and treated accordingly. They 
had assumed that the South was under obligations to them for fighting 
battles for Slavery, and were exasperated upon discovering that no such 
oblifi'ation was recognized as having existence. They found, in short, 
that they could not be " sound " on the slavery question, without yield- 
ing up their most profound convictions, and all manly instincts. They 
were prepared to say that slavery should be tolerate^d — they could even 
go so far as to say that they did not care whether it was voted up or 
down — in or out of a Territory — but they were not billing to vote it 
up, and glorify it as a good thing, and especially acknowledge its politi- 
cal pre-eminence. And behind all this, they represented the purpcses 
of Mr. Douglas, and had taken up his quarrel with the Lecompton wing 
of the party, and it became their fixed resolution to use every atom of 
power they could acquire, to vindicate the position of Mr. Douglas and 
his regularity in the party, and if possible, to assert by authority his 
control over the organization. 

They proceeded to Baltimore in a state of stimulated enthusiasm, and 
partial blindnes.s. They did not know the power and desperation of the 
South, and were foolish enough to believe the opposition to them in that 
quarter would quietly subside. They were, however, met in a spirit 
more intolerant than their own. Virginia, upon whom they had de- 
pended to give Douglas the nomination, in the spirit of harmony and 
according to Democratic usages, was the first to make threats, and 
finally led the seceding column — the mother of Democracy thus becom- 
ing chief of the seceders. 

The appearance of the Seceders at Baltimore, and their evident pur. 
pose and power to control the Convention or destroy it, produced ex 



229 

tremely hostile feeling on the part of the North-west. The immediate 
friends of Douglas became rancorous. Their temper was not improved 
by the fact that in the most conspicuous case, and on the vital point, 
they were manifestly worsted in argument. The report of Mr. Ste- 
vens of Oregon from the committee on Credentials, displays the strength, 
according to the usage of the party, of the case of the seceders. There 
was no way of proceeding to business, which to them had a single point — 
tlie nomination of Douglas — but to blow up the Convention. If a sin- 
gle one of the Douglas delegations from the Gulf States should be ad- 
mitted, the explosion would take place just as if all were admitted. 
The compromising and trading New Yorkers found an absence of avail- 
able material for obtaining advantages in political stock gambling. 
They were alternately bulls tossing up the Douglas stock and bears 
tearing it down, and yet, through all the liuctuations, they were unable 
to make a sale or a purchase on which any thing could be realized. 
The North-west was as determined and impracticable regarding one 
scheme as the South was regarding another. The Democracy of the 
North-west rose out of the status of serfdom. There was servile in- 
surrection, with attendant horrors, and Baltimore became a political St. 
Domingo. 

The South was amazed to hear its favorite threat of secession despised 
and hooted at. The seceders were sneeringly asked why they came 
back ? and told that they had no business there — that llichmond was 
the place for them. Yancey had said it would be dishonorable for se- 
ceders to sneak back and beg to be allowed to re-enter the Convention. 
Now, why were they sneaking back 'i What had they done with their 
honor V The double-headed mass-meetings held every night for a week, 
constantly inflamed every antagonism within the party. Every old fe- 
verish sore was rent open by speakers from one stump or the other, and 
the want of unity in the party was so manifest that feeble efforts to 
make speeches in the old time strain of "conciliation, harmony, every 
thing for the man, nothing for the principle," were received with deris- 
ion and remarks abundantly garnished with profanity, that there was no 
occasion for that sort of twaddle. 

Just in the crisis of the Convention Mr. Douglas lost his nerve, and 
wrote by mail and telegraph to his most confidential and influential 
friends, beseeching them to save the party, if it could be done by with- 
drawing his name from the contest. It was too late, however. He was 
the implement of a revolution, and it was necessary that he should be 
used. He had raised a greater tempest than he had imagined. He 
had stirred up the storm but could not control the whirlwind. 

After the Conventions, the feeling between the people of the Theatre 
and those of the Institute was so fiercely belligerant, that they could 
not talk in good humor. The fact that a family quarrel is of the most 
remorseless character, was manifest in the conversation of every group 
of ten persons to be seen on the streets or about the hotels. Each fac- 
tion accused the other in the most harsh terms, of being factionists, bolt- 
ers, traitors, incendiaries, etc., etc. — epithets conveying imputations 
offensive, in a political sense, being exhausted in vain efforts on both 
sides to do justice to the subject. 



230 

The North-western delegates, on their return home, congratulated 
themselves upon the presumption, that if they had ripped up the Dem- 
ocratic party, tlioy had shown the Republicans that they, as Democrats, 
were not doughfaces. The reflection that they were no more to be 
reproached as serfs of the South, seemed sweet and ample consolation 
for all the struggles and perils through which they had passed, and the 
pangs they had suffered in the dissolution of the party. They talked all 
the way over the mountains to this effect : " Well, there is one thing of 
which we can't be accused any more. There was not a doughface 
shown in the North-west." The fact is the South was never before quite 
so well matched in her own game of brag and intolerable arrogance. 
They never before met in Convention face to face, with oath to oath, anil 
menace for menace, and told with as much vehemence as they threaten- 
ed to secede, that they might " do it and be d — d." 

I shared a railroad .seat, when crossing the mountains, with a North- 
western delegate, one of the most zealous of the partisans of Douglas. 
He was in a bad humor with the South. I asked what was the matter. 
He said : "I have been vexed. After all the battles we have fought 
for the South — to be served in this manner — it is ungrateful and mean." 

He wanted the South to be made sweat under an Abolition President. 
He was glad Seward was not the Republican candidate, for he would 
be too easy on the South. He hoped Lincoln would make them sweat. 
The Southerners had been ruling over niggers so long they thought they 
could rule white men just the same. The South should not go out of 
the Union either. The would stay in and sweat. The fugitive slaves 
might go to Canada or to the devil in welcome, and their masters after 
them. He never would trouble his head about them any more. He 
did not care whether the Fugitive Slave law was enforced or not. He 
declared the South had alienated her best friends forever, and must now 
do the best she could for herself. He was also disposed to disparage 
the Southern country, depreciate the resources of the South, and mag- 
nify the evils that beset her. 

And this conversation, I am convinced, represents the feeling with 
which the North-western delegates crossed the mountains returning 
home. The extent and bearings of the political revolution, of which 
this is one of the indications, may be further illustrated from the bar- 
room talk at Baltimore. One delegate from Indiana was happy to tell 
tlie Seceders that the valley of the Wabash was worth more than all the 
country between the Potomac and the Rio Grande, niggers included. 
And then an Ohioan boasted that there was " one town in a corner of 
Ohio, called Cincinnati, worth more than the whole d — d State of Ala- 
bama. Another assured the Seceders that he thought more of Black 
Republicans than of such fellows as they were, and that if there was to 
be a fight between sections, he was for his own side of the Ohio. 



281 



THE SECOND RICHMOND CONVENTION. 



During the session of the Baltimore Convention, the South Carolina 
delegates remained at Richmond, and after the 21st, the day to which 
they had adjourned, they adjourned from day to day. 

On the evening of Tuesday, the 2Gth, a number of the Southern 
delegates were in the city, among others, Messrs. Seott and Yancey of 
Alabama, and the Convention assembled in Metropolitan Hall. Col. 
Irwin, the President, called the Convention to order. 

Mr. Middleton of South Carolina made a report from the committee 
on Credentials on the New York case (the New York Commissioners). 
The committee found that those commissioners had been "duly elected 
as delegates from the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Con- 
gressional Districts of New York to the Richmond Convention." 

After some discussion the whole matter was laid on the table by the 
following vote : 

Ayes — Virginia d, South Carolina 7^, Florida 3, Alabama 9, Mis- 
sissippi 7 — 27. 

Noes — North Carolina ^, South Carolina -I, Georgia 10, Louisiana 
6, Texas 4—21. 

Mr. Dara:am of South Carolina then offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That this Convention approve of the Platform of Principles recom- 
mended by the majority report at the Charlesto.i Convention. 

The question was put, and the resolution was adopted unanimously, 
amid loud cheering. 

Mr. Furman of South Carolina, on behalf of his delegation, offered 
the following resolution : 

Resolved, That John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky, and Joseph Lane of Oregon, 
are, and they are hereby declared to be the choice, unanimously, of this Conven- 
tion, for President and Vice-President of the United States. 

There were a few votes of thanks, as usual on such occasions, and 
the Convention adjourned sine die. 

The Richmond Enquirer says : 

'' The galleries during the session were thronged, and whilst there was 
great enthusiasm, there was no one occasion, in the slightest degree, to 
disturb good order. All the proceedings were conducted with a calm- 
ness, dignity and decorum which we have never seen excelled." 



oo.O 



The lesson to the Nation of the Presipential Caucuses of 18G0 
is the necessity for the abolition of the Caucus System, which, in 
whatever party organization operative, is a system of swindling, by 
which the people are defrauded out of the effective exercise of the right 
of suffrage. There is no honesty in caucuses, no sound principle or 
g')od policy, except by accident ; and the accidents that furnish the 
exception are rare indeed. 

The revenues of King Caucus are corruption funds — and his gov- 
ernment costs the country at least fifty million dollars annually — his 
platforms of principles are elaborations of false pretenses — his nominees 
are his obsequious viceroys — and he is the power behind the chairs of 
our chief magistrates, and under the tables of our cabinets, far more 
potent than those who visibly assume authority. 

If a Republican form of government is to be preserved in our con- 
federacy, the people must make a bonfire of his throne. 



The official reports from wliich this compilation has been largely 
made up, appeared in the following journals : The Mercury and the 
Courier of Charleston; the Press and Tribune of Chicago; the Balti- 
more Clipper (for the " Constitutional Union " Convention); the Balti- 
more American and Sun, for the National Democratic Conventions ; 
and the Richmond Enquirer for the Convention held in that city. 



ERRATA. 

^ Page 9, first liae, second paragraph, for '^ Magmlia Hall" read " Mbertm 

Page 31, last line, read "equivocal" for "equivalent." 

Page 101, last line of page, read "leonine" instead of "canine." 



H94 75 'i 








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